Methods of using adipose tissue-derived cells in augmenting autologous fat transfer

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/316,127, filed on Dec. 9, 2002 now abandoned, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PATIENTS WITH PROCESSED LIPOASPIRATE CELLS, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/338,856, filed Dec. 7, 2001. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/479,418, entitled METHODS OF USING ADIPOSE TISSUE DERIVED CELLS IN AUGMENTING AUTOLOGOUS FAT TRANSFER, filed Jun. 18, 2003. The contents of all the aforementioned applications are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to cells derived from adipose tissue, and more particularly, to adipose-derived regenerative cells (e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells), methods of using adipose-derived regenerative cells, compositions containing adipose-derived regenerative cells, and systems for preparing and using adipose-derived regenerative cells which are used to augment fat transfer.

2. Description of Related Art

Fat transfer is a relatively common cosmetic, therapeutic and structural procedure involving the harvest of adipose tissue (fat) from one location and re-implantation in another location (Coleman 1995; Coleman 2001). While being largely used for repair of small cosmetic defects such as facial folds, wrinkles, pock marks and divots, fat transfer has also been used cosmetically in breast augmentation and reconstruction (Bircoll and Novack 1987; Dixon 1988). Augmentation of the buttocks has also been performed using fat transfer approaches (Cardenas-Camarena, Lacouture et al. 1999; de Pedroza 2000; Peren, Gomez et al. 2000).

Existing fat transfer methods, however, are associated with substantial side effects including infection (Castello, Barros et al. 1999; Valdatta, Thione et al. 2001) and calcifications and scarring which can interfere with mammography and other breast imaging modalities (Huch, Kunzi et al. 1998). Current fat transfer methods are also frequently associated with inconsistent engraftment, wherein for example the implanted material is fully or partially resorbed or is replaced by scar tissue (Eremia and Newman 2000). In breast augmentation mammoplasty, for example, use of fat tissue often causes loss of function of the tissue which can be attributed in part to necrosis of implanted fat tissue during the time it takes for new blood vessels to form and feed the implant (Saunders, Keller et al. 1981; Eppley, Smith et al. 1990; Nishimura, Hashimoto et al. 2000). Similarly, for the long-term correction of soft tissue defects, numerous materials, including autologous fat, have been employed for the filling of scars, wrinkles, and other soft tissue defects (Coleman 2001; Maas and Denton 2001). As described above, however, these adipose tissue transplants also suffer from a lack of neovascularization and necrosis.

Autologous fat transfer has also been applied in non-cosmetic clinical settings where a soft tissue filler or support structure is required. One example is stress urinary incontinence in which the transplanted fat is intended to support the urethral wall and urinary sphincter structures (Palma, Riccetto et al. 1997; Lee, Kung et al. 2001). However, the lack of durability of the transplanted fat has prevented widespread acceptance of this technique. A similar approach has been used in fecal incontinence, which is another sphincter disorder (Shafik 1995; Bernardi, Favetta et al. 1998). Other examples where fat transfer has been applied in non-cosmetic clinical settings include vocal cord paralysis, vocal atrophy, intubation trauma, and post-hemilaryngectomy defects, and vocal implantation (Koufman 1991; Mikaelian, Lowry et al. 1991; Hsiung, Woo et al. 2000; Perie, Ming et al. 2002), repair of soft tissue defects caused by irradiation (Jackson, Simman et al. 2001) and war injury (Ghobadi, Zangeneh et al. 1995), in lumbar disc surgery (Bernsmann, Kramer et al. 2001; Kanamori, Kawaguchi et al. 2001), and repair of atrophied tissue in the plantar foot pad (Chairman 1994; Lauf, Freedman et al. 1998). All of these approaches have encountered the problems described above for cosmetic applications.

A number of groups have looked at ways to supplement the graft in such a way as to improve long-term survival and retention. One group has reported results using a serum-free cell culture medium to enhance graft survival in an animal model (Ullmann, Hyams et al. 1998) while others have shown that augmenting transferred tissue with growth factors can enhance graft viability in another model system (Eppley, Snyders et al. 1992; Yuksel, Weinfeld et al. 2000; Yuksel, Weinfeld et al. 2000).

A different approach has been proposed by Schoeller et al. in which adipocyte precursor cells are embedded in fibrin glue and then implanted in the hope that the cells survive and generate new adipose tissue from scratch (Schoeller, Lille et al. 2001). Others have used a similar approach involving seeding artificial polymers with these cells (Patrick, Chauvin et al. 1999). Problems associated with these approaches are that the approaches may bring only one component of adipose tissue (the adipocyte) leaving new blood vessel production (angiogenesis) to endogenous mechanisms. Further, given the limited self-renewal capacity of pre-adipocytes they may be unable to deliver long-term production of adipocytes.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods of administering adipose tissue to patients which reduces the problems associated with existing methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the adipose derived regenerative cells (e.g., endothelial precursor cells) of the present invention are capable of providing angiogenic support and long-term production of both vascular endothelial cells and adipocytes. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of augmenting fat transfer, e.g., autologous fat transfer. The present invention also provides rapid and reliable devices, systems and methods for preparing adult regenerative cells from adipose tissue with increased yield, consistency and purity with a diminished or non-existent need for post-extraction manipulation. The present invention further provides compositions, methods, and systems for using cells derived from adipose tissue that may be admixed with intact adipose tissue and placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender, or support a therapeutic, structural, or cosmetic benefit.

In one embodiment, the regenerative cells prepared according to this disclosure are prepared and subsequently mixed with intact (non-disaggregated or non-processed) adipose tissue fragments to form a composition. Thus, the composition comprises a mixture of adipose tissue and regenerative cells. The composition may be implanted into the recipient to provide an autologous soft tissue filler for correction of contour defects (wrinkles, “divots,” pockmarks, and larger deficits) or for providing support to damaged structures such as the urethra. The composition may also be administered to breast regions in connection with breast augmentation procedures and soft tissue defects.

The adipose tissue processing occurs in a system that maintains a closed, sterile fluid/tissue pathway. This is achieved by use of a pre-assembled, linked set of closed, sterile containers and tubing allowing for transfer of tissue and fluid elements within a closed pathway. The system may be linked to a processing device which can automate the addition of reagents, temperature, and timing of processing thus relieving operators of the need to manually manage the process. In a preferred embodiment the entire procedure from tissue extraction through processing and placement into the recipient would all be performed in the same facility, indeed, even within the same room of the patient undergoing the procedure.

In certain embodiments, a method of treating a patient includes steps of: a) providing a tissue removal system; b) removing adipose tissue from a patient using the tissue removal system, the adipose tissue having a concentration of regenerative cells; c) processing at least a part of the adipose tissue to obtain a concentration of regenerative cells other than the concentration of regenerative cells of the adipose tissue before processing; and d) administering the regenerative cells to a patient without removing the regenerative cells from the tissue removal system before being administered to the patient To thereby treat the patient.

In other embodiments, a method of treating a patient includes: a) providing an adipose tissue removal system; b) removing adipose tissue from a patient using the adipose tissue removal system, the adipose tissue having a concentration of regenerative cells; c) processing the adipose tissue to increase the concentration of regenerative cells in the adipose tissue; d) mixing the adipose tissue having the concentrated regenerative cells with another unit portion of adipose tissue; and e) administering the adipose tissue with the increased concentration of regenerative cells to a patient to thereby treat the patient.

In particular embodiments, a patient is treated for soft-tissue defects. In other embodiments, the breast of a patient is treated. In yet other embodiments, the patient is treated for urinary incontinence. The methods of treatment disclosed herein may be used to treat any cosmetic or non-cosmetic disorder which requires fat transfer both autologous and non-autologous.

In preferred embodiments, the regenerative cells used to treat are patient are stem cells or progenitor cells. In other embodiments, the regenerative cells are endothelial progenitor cells. In yet other embodiments, the regenerative cells are any population of regenerative cells as described herein. Additionally, the regenerative cell population used in the methods of treatment encompassed by the invention may be a homogenous or heterogeneous population of cells.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the regenerative cells are placed into the recipient in combination with other cells, tissue, tissue fragments, or other stimulators of cell growth and/or differentiation. For example, the regenerative cells may be combined with growth factors and/or cytokines, e.g., angiogenic or arteriogenic growth factors. The regenerative cells may also be combined with immunosuppressive drugs. These additives may be administered during or after the regenerative cells have been concentrated using the systems and methods of the invention. In yet another aspect of the invention, the regenerative cells are directed to other targets such as implant materials, surgical devices, cell culturing devices or purification devices, prior to placement into the recipient. In a preferred embodiment, the cells, with any of the abovementioned additives, are placed into the person from whom they were obtained in the context of a single operative procedure with the intention of deriving a therapeutic, structural, or cosmetic benefit to the recipient.

Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. is an illustration of a system for separating regenerative cells from tissue which includes one filter assembly.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an illustration of a system similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> having a plurality of filter assemblies in a serial configuration.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an illustration of a system similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> having a plurality of filter assemblies in a parallel configuration.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an illustration of a system for separating regenerative cells from tissue which includes a centrifuge chamber.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a sectional view of a collection chamber including a prefixed filter utilized in a system for separating regenerative cells from tissue.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a sectional view of a processing chamber of a system for separating regenerative cells from tissue utilizing a percolative filtration system.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a sectional view of a processing chamber of a system for separating regenerative cells utilizing a centrifuge device for concentrating the regenerative cells.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is another sectional view of the processing chamber of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9.1</figref>, <b>9</b>.<b>2</b> and <b>9</b>.<b>3</b> illustrate an elutriation component in use with the system of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an illustration of a system for separating regenerative cells from tissue utilizing vacuum pressure to move fluids through the system. A vacuum system can be constructed by applying a vacuum pump or vacuum source to the outlet of the system, controlled at a predetermined rate to pull tissue and fluid through, using a system of stopcocks, vents, and clamps to control the direction and timing of the flow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an illustration of a system for separating regenerative cells from tissue utilizing positive pressure to move fluids through the system. A positive pressure system uses a mechanical means such as a peristaltic pump to push or propel the fluid and tissue through the system at a determined rate, using valves, stopcocks, vents, and clamps to control the direction and timing of the flow.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> illustrates a filtration process in which the feed stream of fluid flows tangentially to the pores of the filter. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> illustrates a filtration process in which the feed stream of fluid flows perpendicular to the pores of the filter.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is an illustration of an exemplary disposable set for a system of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an illustration of an exemplary re-usable component for a system of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is an illustration of an exemplary device of the invention assembled using a disposable set similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> and a re-usable component similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16A and 16B</figref> depict the expression of VEGF (<b>5</b>A) and PIGF (<b>5</b>B) protein by cultured adipose derived stem cells.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> depicts detection of endothelial progenitor cells within adipose derived stem cell populations.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A and 18B</figref> depict the in vitro development of vascular structures in both normal (<b>7</b>A) and streptozotocin-treated (<b>7</b>B) mice.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> depicts the increased average restoration of blood flow in hindlimb ischemia mice treated with adipose derived stem cell compared to a negative control.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20A and 20B</figref> shows that increasing adipose derived stem cell dose improves graft survival and angiogenesis (<b>20</b>A) and depicts the retention of adipose tissue architecture in histologic specimen (<b>20</b>B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides methods for augmenting autologous fat transfer using adipose derived regenerative cells (“ADCs”). For example, the present invention demonstrates that the adipose derived regenerative cells of the invention (1) express angiogenic growth factors and cytokines, including PIGF, VEGF, bFGF, IGF-II, Eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-12 p40/p70, EL-12 p70, IL-13, IL-6, IL-9, Leptin, MCP-1, M-CSF, MIG, PF-4, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TNF-α and Thrombopoetin, (2) comprise endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) which have a well-established function in blood vessel formation, (3) develop into blood vessels in vitro, and (4) support ischemic tissue survival in vivo. Accordingly, the regenerative cells are capable of augmenting autologous fat transfer by, for example, promoting neovascularization at the site of administration.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Additional definitions are set forth throughout the detailed description.

As used herein, “regenerative cell” refers to any cells obtained using the systems and methods of the present invention which cause or contribute to complete or partial regeneration, restoration, or substitution of structure or function of an organ, tissue, or physiologic unit or system to thereby provide a therapeutic, structural or cosmetic benefit. Examples of regenerative cells include: ASCs, endothelial cells, endothelial precursor cells, endothelial progenitor cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, preadipocytes, differentiated or de-differentiated adipocytes, keratinocytes, unipotent and multipotent progenitor and precursor cells (and their progeny), and lymphocytes.

One mechanism by which the regenerative cells may provide a therapeutic, structural or cosmetic benefit is by incorporating themselves or their progeny into newly generated, existing or repaired tissues or tissue components. For example, ASCs and/or their progeny may incorporate into newly generated bone, muscle, or other structural or functional tissue and thereby cause or contribute to a therapeutic, structural or cosmetic improvement. Similarly, endothelial cells or endothelial precursor or progenitor cells and their progeny may incorporate into existing, newly generated, repaired, or expanded blood vessels to thereby cause or contribute to a therapeutic, structural or cosmetic benefit.

Another mechanism by which the regenerative cells may provide a therapeutic, structural or cosmetic benefit is by expressing and/or secreting molecules, e.g., growth factors, that promote creation, retention, restoration, and/or regeneration of structure or function of a given tissue or tissue component. For example, regenerative cells may express and/or secrete molecules which result in enhanced growth of tissues or cells that then participate directly or indirectly in improved structure or function. Regenerative cells may express and/or secrete growth factors or cytokines, including, for example, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Placental Growth factor (PlGF), and their isoforms, which may perform one or more of the following functions: stimulate development of new blood vessels, i.e., promote angiogenesis; improve oxygen supply of pre-existent small blood vessels (collaterals) by expanding their blood carrying capacity; induce mobilization of regenerative cells from sites distant from the site of injury to thereby enhance the homing and migration of such cells to the site of injury; stimulate the growth and/or promote the survival of cells within a site of injury thereby promoting retention of function or structure; deliver molecules with anti-apoptotic properties thereby reducing the rate or likelihood of cell death and permanent loss of function; and interact with endogenous regenerative cells and/or other physiological mechanisms.

The regenerative cells may be used in their ‘native’ form as present in or extracted from the tissue using the systems and methods of the present invention or they may be modified by stimulation or priming with growth factors or other biologic response modifiers, by gene transfer (transient or stable transfer), by further sub-fractionation of the resultant population on the basis or physical properties (for example size or density), differential adherence to a solid phase material, expression of cell surface or intracellular molecules, cell culture or other ex vivo or in vivo manipulation, modification, or fractionation as further described herein. The regenerative cells may also be used in combination with other cells or devices such as synthetic or biologic scaffolds, materials or devices that deliver factors, drugs, chemicals or other agents that modify or enhance the relevant characteristics of the cells as further described herein.

As used herein, “regenerative cell composition” refers to the composition of cells typically present in a volume of liquid after a tissue, e.g., adipose tissue, is washed and at least partially disaggregated. For example, a regenerative cell composition of the invention comprises multiple different types of regenerative cells, including ASCs, endothelial cells, endothelial precursor cells, endothelial progenitor cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, preadipocytes, differentiated or de-differentiated adipocytes, keratinocytes, unipotent and multipotent progenitor and precursor cells (and their progeny), and lymphocytes. The regenerative cell composition may also contain one or more contaminants, such as collagen, which may be present in the tissue fragments, or residual collagenase or other enzyme or agent employed in or resulting from the tissue disaggregation process described herein.

As used herein, “regenerative medicine” refers to any therapeutic, structural or cosmetic benefit that is derived from the placement, either directly or indirectly, of regenerative cells into a subject. As used herein, the phrase “fat transfer” is a form of regenerative medicine and is intended to include all procedures whereby surplus fat cells are removed from one area of a body and re-implanted into another area of a body. Fat transfer includes both autologous and non-autologous fat transfer. The phrase “autologous fat transfer” is intended to include all procedures whereby the fat removal and re-implantation are performed on the same subject. Exemplary cosmetic fat transfer procedures include fat grafts or implants to the lips, nasolabials (mouth to nose folds), wrinkles and other facial folds (depressions around the eyes, between the brows, as well as on the rest of the face), undereyes, cheeks, chin, temples, breasts, thighs, calves, arms, abdomen, buttocks as well as any other area of the body. Cosmetic fat transfer procedures may be combined with other cosmetic applications such as facial implants, blepheroplasty, brow lifts, face lifts, neck lift, botox applications, chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Non-cosmetic fat transfer procedures include implants to treat sphincter disorders, including fat implants in gastroesophageal, urethral and rectal sphincters. Fat transfer procedures may also be used to treat trauma (e.g., radiation) or disease induced soft tissue defects (e.g., abdominal hernia), hemifacial microsomia, vocal cord injury and lumbar spine disorders. Fat transfer procedures may also be used to treat adipose-related diseases or disorders, including but not limited to dyslipidimia, hypoadiponectinemia, hyperlipidemia, lipatrophy and lipohypertrophy.

As used herein, “stem cell” refers to a multipotent regenerative cell with the potential to differentiate into a variety of other cell types, which perform one or more specific functions and have the ability to self-renew. Some of the stem cells disclosed herein may be pluripotent.

As used herein, “progenitor cell” refers to a multipotent regenerative cell with the potential to differentiate into more than one cell type. “Progenitor cell”, as used herein, also refers to a unipotent regenerative cell with the potential to differentiate into only a single cell type, which performs one or more specific functions and has limited or no ability to self-renew. In particular, as used herein, “endothelial progenitor cell” refers to a multipotent or unipotent cell with the potential to differentiate into vascular endothelial cells.

As used herein, “precursor cell” refers to a unipotent regenerative cell with the potential to differentiate into one cell type. Precursor cells and their progeny may retain extensive proliferative capacity, e.g., lymphocytes and endothelial cells, which can proliferate under appropriate conditions.

As used herein, the term “angiogenesis” refers to the process by which new blood vessels are generated from existing vasculature and tissue (Folkman, 1995). The phrase “repair or remodeling” refers to the reformation of existing vasculature. The alleviation of tissue ischemia is critically dependent upon angiogenesis. The spontaneous growth of new blood vessels provides collateral circulation in and around an ischemic area, improves blood flow, and alleviates the symptoms caused by the ischemia. Angiogenesis mediated diseases and disorders include acute myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, peripheral vascular disease, ischemic stroke, acute tubular necrosis, ischemic wounds-including AFT, sepsis, ischemic bowel disease, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy, vasculitidies, ischemic encephalopathy, erectile dysfunction-physiologic, ischemic or traumatic spinal cord injuries, multiple organ system failure, ischemic gum disease, and transplant related ischemia.

As used herein, the term “angiogenic factor” or “angiogenic protein” refers to any known protein, peptide or other agent capable of promoting growth of new blood vessels from existing vasculature (“angiogenesis”). Suitable angiogenic factors for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, Placenta Growth Factor (Luttun et al., 2002), Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (Aharinejad et al., 1995), Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (Buschmann et al., 2003), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-E (Mints et al., 2002), neuropilin (Wang et al., 2003), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, FGF-2(bFGF), FGF-3, FGF-4, FGF-5, FGF-6 (Botta et al., 2000), Angiopoietin 1, Angiopoietin 2 (Sundberg et al., 2002), erythropoietin (Ribatti et al., 2003), BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-7 (Carano and Filvaroff, 2003), TGF-beta (Xiong et al., 2002), IGF-1 (Shigematsu et al., 1999), Osteopontin (Asou et al., 2001), Pleiotropin (Beecken et al., 2000), Activin (Lamouille et al., 2002), Endothelin-1 (Bagnato and Spinella, 2003) and combinations thereof. Angiogenic factors can act independently, or in combination with one another. When in combination, angiogenic factors can also act synergistically, whereby the combined effect of the factors is greater than the sum of the effects of the individual factors taken separately. The term “angiogenic factor” or “angiogenic protein” also encompasses functional analogues of such factors. Functional analogues include, for example, functional portions of the factors. Functional analogues also include anti-idiotypic antibodies which bind to the receptors of the factors and, thus, mimic the activity of the factors in promoting angiogenesis and/or tissue remodeling. Methods for generating such anti-idiotypic antibodies are well known in the art and are described, for example, in WO 97/23510, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Angiogenic factors used in the present invention can be produced or obtained from any suitable source. For example, the factors can be purified from their native sources, or produced synthetically or by recombinant expression. The factors can be administered to patients as a protein composition. Alternatively, the factors can be administered in the form of an expression plasmid encoding the factors. The construction of suitable expression plasmids is well known in the art. Suitable vectors for constructing expression plasmids include, for example, adenoviral vectors, retroviral vectors, adeno-associated viral vectors, RNA vectors, liposomes, cationic lipids, lentiviral vectors and transposons.

As used herein “stem cell number” or “stem cell frequency” refers to the number of colonies observed in a clonogenic assay in which adipose derived cells (ADC) are plated at low cell density (&lt;10,000 cells/well) and grown in growth medium supporting MSC growth (for example, DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, 5% horse serum, and antibiotic/antimycotic agents. Cells are grown for two weeks after which cultures are stained with hematoxylin and colonies of more than 50 cells are counted as CFU-F. Stem cell frequency is calculated as the number of CFU-F observed per 100 nucleated cells plated (for example; 15 colonies counted in a plate initiated with 1,000 nucleated ADC cells gives a stem cell frequency of 1.5%). Stem cell number is calculated as stem cell frequency multiplied by the total number of nucleated ADC cells obtained. A high percentage (˜100%) of CFU-F grown from ADC cells express the cell surface molecule CD105 which is also expressed by marrow-derived stem cells (Barry et al., 1999). CD105 is also expressed by adipose tissue-derived stem cells (Zuk et al., 2002).

As used herein, the term “adipose tissue” refers to fat including the connective tissue that stores fat. Adipose tissue contains multiple regenerative cell types, including ASCs and endothelial progenitor and precursor cells.

As used herein, the term “unit of adipose tissue” refers to a discrete or measurable amount of adipose tissue. A unit of adipose tissue may be measured by determining the weight and/or volume of the unit. Based on the data identified above, a unit of processed adipose tissue, as removed from a patient, has a cellular component in which at least 0.1% of the cellular component is stem cells; that is, it has a stem cell frequency, determined as described above, of at least 0.1%. In reference to the disclosure herein, a unit of adipose tissue may refer to the entire amount of adipose tissue removed from a patient, or an amount that is less than the entire amount of adipose tissue removed from a patient. Thus, a unit of adipose tissue may be combined with another unit of adipose tissue to form a unit of adipose tissue that has a weight or volume that is the sum of the individual units.

As used herein, the term “portion” refers to an amount of a material that is less than a whole. A minor portion refers to an amount that is less than 50%, and a major portion refers to an amount greater than 50%. Thus, a unit of adipose tissue that is less than the entire amount of adipose tissue removed from a patient is a portion of the removed adipose tissue.

As used herein, the term “processed lipoaspirate” refers to adipose tissue that has been processed to separate the active cellular component (e.g., the component containing stem and progenitor cells) from the mature adipocytes and connective tissue. This fraction is referred to herein as “adipose-derived cells” or “ADC.” Typically, ADC refers to the pellet of regenerative cells obtained by washing and separating the cells from the adipose tissue. The pellet is typically obtained by centrifuging a suspension of cells so that the cells aggregate at the bottom of a centrifuge chamber or cell concentrator.

As used herein, the terms “administering,” “introducing,” “delivering,” “placement” and “transplanting” are used interchangeably herein and refer to the placement of the ADC of the invention into a subject by a method or route which results in at least partial localization of the ADC at a desired site. The ADC can be administered by any appropriate route which results in delivery to a desired location in the subject where at least a portion of the cells or components of the cells remain viable. The period of viability of the cells after administration to a subject can be as short as a few hours, e.g., twenty-four hours, to a few days, to as long as several years.

As used herein, the term “subject” includes warm-blooded animals, preferably mammals, including humans. In a preferred embodiment, the subject is a primate. In an even more preferred embodiment, the subject is a human.

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

Although the disclosure herein refers to certain illustrated embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. The intent of the following detailed description, although discussing exemplary embodiments, is to be construed to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The present invention may be practiced in conjunction with various cell or tissue separation techniques that are conventionally used in the art, and only so much of the commonly practiced process steps are included herein as are necessary to provide an understanding of the present invention.

As previously set forth herein, regenerative cells, e.g., stem and progenitor cells, can be harvested from a wide variety of tissues. The system of the present invention may be used for all such tissues. Adipose tissue, however, is an especially rich source of regenerative cells. Accordingly, the system of the present invention is illustrated herein using adipose tissue as a source of regenerative cells by way of example only and not limitation.

Adipose tissue can be obtained by any method known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, adipose tissue may be removed from a patient by liposuction (syringe or power assisted) or by lipectomy, e.g., suction-assisted lipoplasty, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, and excisional lipectomy or combinations thereof. The adipose tissue is removed and collected and processed by a system of the invention described herein for the purpose of separating and concentrating regenerative cells. The amount of tissue collected depends on numerous factors, including the body mass index and age of the donor, the time available for collection, the availability of accessible adipose tissue harvest sites, concomitant and pre-existing medications and conditions (such as anticoagulant therapy), and the clinical purpose for which the tissue is being collected. For example, the stem cell percentage of 100 ml of adipose tissue extracted from a lean individual is greater than that extracted from an obese donor (Table 1). This likely reflects a dilutive effect of the increased fat content in the obese individual. Therefore, it may be desirable, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, to obtain larger amounts of tissue from overweight donors compared to the amounts that would be withdrawn from leaner patients. This observation also indicates that the utility of this invention is not limited to individuals with large amounts of adipose tissue.

<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="1"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="217pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" rowsep="1">TABLE 1</entry></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry namest="1" nameend="1" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Effect of Body Mass Index on Tissue and Cell Yield</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="77pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="84pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>Amount of Tissue</entry><entry /></row><row><entry>Body Mass Index Status</entry><entry>Obtained (g)</entry><entry>Total Cell Yield (×10⁷)</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Normal</entry><entry>  641 ± 142</entry><entry>2.1 ± 0.4</entry></row><row><entry>Obese</entry><entry>1,225 ± 173</entry><entry>2.4 ± 0.5</entry></row><row><entry>p value</entry><entry>0.03</entry><entry>0.6</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

After the adipose tissue is processed, the resulting regenerative cells are substantially free from mature adipocytes and connective tissue. Accordingly, the system of the present invention generates a heterogenous plurality of adipose derived regenerative cells which may be used for research and/or therapeutic purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the cells are suitable for placement or re-infusion within the body of the recipient. In other embodiments, the cells may be used for research, e.g., the cells can be used to establish stem or progenitor cell lines which can survive for extended periods of time and be used for further study.

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

Although the disclosure herein refers to certain illustrated embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. The intent of the following detailed description, although discussing exemplary embodiments, is to be construed to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The present invention may be utilized in conjunction with various medical procedures that are conventionally used in the art.

Referring now to the Figures, a system <b>10</b> of the present invention is generally comprised of one or more of a tissue collection chamber <b>20</b>, a processing chamber <b>30</b>, a waste chamber <b>40</b>, an output chamber <b>50</b> and a sample chamber <b>60</b>. The various chambers are coupled together via one or more conduits <b>12</b> such that fluids containing biological material may pass from one chamber to another while maintaining a closed, sterile fluid/tissue pathway. The conduits may comprise rigid or flexible bodies referred to interchangeably herein as lumens or tubing. In certain embodiments, the conduits are in the form of flexible tubing, such as polyethylene tubing conventionally used in clinical settings. In other embodiments, the tubings may be constructed of silicone. The flexile tubing used should be capable of withstanding negative pressure to reduce the likelihood of collapse. The flexible tubing used should also be capable of withstanding positive pressure which is generated by, for example, a positive displacement pump, which may be used in the system.

All the chambers of the system may be comprised of one or more ports, e.g., outlet <b>22</b> or inlet <b>21</b> ports, which accept standard IV, syringe and suction tubing connections. The ports may be a sealed port such as a rubber septum closed syringe needle access port <b>51</b>. The inlet ports may be coupled to one or more cannulas (not shown) by way of conduits. For example, a tissue inlet port <b>21</b> may be coupled to an integrated single use liposuction cannula and the conduit may be a flexible tubing. The conduits are generally positioned to provide fluid passageways from one chamber of the system to another. Towards this end, the conduits and ports may be coupled to, for example, a suction device (not shown) which may be manually or automatically operated. The suction device may be, e.g., a syringe or an electric pump. The suction device should be capable of providing sufficient negative pressure to aspirate tissue from a patient. Generally, any suitable suction device known to one of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., a surgeon, may be used.

The conduits <b>12</b> may further comprise one or more clamps (not shown) to control the flow of material among various components of the system. The clamps are useful for maintaining the sterility of the system by effectively sealing different regions of the system. Alternatively, the conduits <b>12</b> may comprise one or more valves <b>14</b> that control the flow of material through the system. The valves <b>14</b> are identified as open circles in the Figures. In preferred embodiments, the valves may be electromechanical pinch valves. In another embodiment, the valves may be pneumatic valves. In yet other embodiments, the valves may be hydraulic valves or mechanical valves. Such valves are preferably activated by a control system which may be coupled to levers. The levers may be manually manipulated such that the levers are activated. In automated embodiments, the control system may be coupled to the levers as well as a processing device which may activate the valves at pre-determined activation conditions. In certain automated embodiments, activation of the valves may be partially automated and partially subject to the user's preference such that the process may be optimized. In yet other embodiments, certain valves may be activated manually and others automatically through the processing device. The valves <b>14</b> may also be used in conjunction with one or more pumps, e.g., peristaltic pumps <b>34</b> or positive displacement pumps (not shown). The conduits <b>12</b> and/or the valves <b>14</b> may also be comprised of sensors <b>29</b>, e.g., optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, pressure sensors or other forms of monitors known in the art that are capable of distinguishing among the various fluid components and fluid levels that flow through the system. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors <b>29</b> may be optical sensors.

The system may also include a plurality of filters <b>36</b>. In certain embodiments, the filters may be within a chamber of the system <b>28</b>. Different chambers within the system may be comprised of different filters. The filters are effective to separate the regenerative cells, e.g., stem cells and/or progenitor cells, from undesirable cells and disaggregation agents that may be used in accordance with the system. In one embodiment, a filter assembly <b>36</b> includes a hollow fiber filtration device. In another embodiment, a filter assembly <b>36</b> includes a percolative filtration device, which may or may not be used with a sedimentation process. In a further embodiment, the filter assembly <b>36</b> comprises a centrifugation device, which may or may not be used with an elutriation device and process. In yet another embodiment, the system comprises a combination of these filtering devices. The filtration functions of the present invention can be two-fold, with some filters removing things from the final concentration such as collagen, free lipid, free adipocytes and residual collagenase, and with other filters being used to concentrate the final product. The filters of the system may be comprised of a plurality of pores ranging in diameters and/or length from 20 to 800 μm. In a preferred embodiment, the collection chamber <b>20</b> has a prefixed filter <b>28</b> with a plurality of pores ranging from 80 to 400 μm. In another preferred embodiment, the collection chamber <b>20</b> has a prefixed filter <b>28</b> with a plurality of 265 μm pores. In other embodiments, the filters may be detachable and/or disposable.

The system may also be comprised of one or more temperature control devices (not shown) that are positioned to adjust the temperature of the material contained within one or more chambers of the system. The temperature control device may be a heater, a cooler or both, i.e., it may be able to switch between a heater and a cooler. The temperature device may adjust the temperature of any of the material passing through the system, including the tissue, the disaggregation agents, the resuspension agents, the rinsing agents, the washing agents or the additives. For example, heating of adipose tissue facilitates disaggregation whereas the cooling of the regenerative cell output is desirable to maintain viability. Also, if pre-warmed reagents are needed for optimal tissue processing, the role of the temperature device would be to maintain the pre-determined temperature rather than to increase or decrease the temperature.

To maintain a closed, sterile fluid/tissue pathway, all ports and valves may comprise a closure that maintains the sealed configuration of the system. The closure may be a membrane that is impermeable to fluid, air and other contaminants or it may be any other suitable closure known in the art. Furthermore, all ports of the system may be designed such that they can accommodate syringes, needles or other devices for withdrawing the materials in the chambers without compromising the sterility of the system.

As set forth herein, tissue may be extracted from a patient via any art recognized method. The aspirated tissue is transferred to the collection chamber <b>20</b> via a conduit such as <b>12</b><i>a </i>where it is rinsed and digested. The aspirated tissue typically enters the collection chamber <b>20</b> via a sealed entry port, such as a rubber septum closed syringe needle access port (not shown on collection chamber).

The collection chamber <b>20</b> may be comprised of a plurality of flexible or rigid canisters or cylinders or combinations thereof. For example, the collection chamber <b>20</b> may be comprised of one or more rigid canisters of varying sizes. The collection chamber <b>20</b> may also be comprised of one or more flexible bags. In such systems, the bag is preferably provided with a support, such as in internal or external frame, that helps reduce the likelihood that the bag will collapse upon the application of suction to the bag. The collection chamber <b>20</b> is sized to hold the requisite amount of saline to appropriately rinse and digest the tissue prior to the wash and concentrate stage of the process performed in the processing chamber <b>30</b>. Preferably, the volume of tissue or fluid present in the collection chamber <b>20</b> is easily ascertainable to the naked eye. For example, to separate and concentrate regenerative cells from adipose tissue, a suitable collection chamber has the capacity to hold 800 ml of lipoaspirate and 1200 ml of saline. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the collection chamber <b>20</b> has a capacity of at least 2 liters. In another embodiment, to separate and concentrate red blood cells from blood, the collection chamber <b>20</b> has a capacity of at least 1.5 liters. Generally, the size of the collection chamber <b>20</b> will vary depending on the type and amount of tissue collected from the patient. The collection chamber <b>20</b> may be sized to hold as little as about 5 ml to up to about 2 liters of tissue. For smaller tissue volumes, e.g., 5 mls to 100 mls, the tissue may be gathered in a syringe prior to transfer to the collection chamber <b>20</b>.

The collection chamber <b>20</b> may be constructed using any suitable biocompatible material that can be sterilized. In a preferred embodiment, the collection chamber <b>20</b> is constructed of disposable material that meets biocompatibility requirements for intravascular contact as described in the ISO 10993 standard. For example, polycarbonate acrylic or ABS may be used. The fluid path of the collection chamber <b>20</b> is preferably pyrogen free, i.e., suitable for blood use without danger of disease transmittal. In one embodiment, the collection chamber <b>20</b> is constructed of a material that allows the user to visually determine the approximate volume of tissue present in the chamber. In other embodiments, the volume of tissue and/or fluid in the collection chamber <b>20</b> is determined by automated sensors <b>29</b>. The collection chamber <b>20</b> is preferably designed such that the automated system can determine the volume of tissue and/or fluid within the chamber with a reasonable degree of accuracy. In a preferred embodiment, the system senses the volume within the collection chamber with an accuracy of plus or minus fifteen percent.

In a particular embodiment provided by way of example only, the collection chamber <b>20</b> is in the form of a rigid chamber, for example, a chamber constructed of a medical grade polycarbonate containing a roughly conical prefixed filter <b>28</b> of medical grade polyester with a mesh size of 265 μm. The rigid tissue collection container may have a size of approximately eight inches high and approximately five inches in diameter; the wall thickness may be about 0.125 inches. The interior of the cylinder may be accessed through, for example, one or more ports for suction tubing, one or more ports with tubing for connection through sterile docking technology, and/or one or more ports for needle puncture access through a rubber septum. The prefixed filter <b>28</b> in the interior of the collection chamber <b>20</b> is preferably structured to retain adipose tissue and to pass non-adipose tissue as, for example, the tissues are removed from the patient. More specifically, the filter <b>28</b> may allow passage of free lipid, blood, and saline, while retaining fragments of adipose tissue during, or in another embodiment after, the initial harvesting of the adipose tissue. In that regard, the filter <b>28</b> includes a plurality of pores, of either the same or different sizes, but ranging in size from about 20 μm to 5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the filter <b>28</b> includes a plurality of 400 μm pores. In a preferred embodiment, the filter <b>28</b> is a medical grade polyester mesh of around 200 μm thickness with a pore size of around 265 μm and around 47% open area. This material holds the tissue during rinsing but allows cells to pass out through the mesh following tissue disaggregation. Thus, when the tissues are aspirated from the patient, non-adipose tissue may be separated from adipose tissue. The same functionality could be achieved with different materials, mesh size, and the number and type of ports. For example, mesh pore sizes smaller than 100 μm or as large as several thousand microns would achieve the same purpose of allowing passage of saline and blood cells while retaining adipose tissue aggregates and fragments. Similarly, the same purpose could be achieved by use of an alternative rigid plastic material, or by many other modifications that would be known to those skilled in the art

The collection chamber <b>20</b> may be further comprised of a means for washing the tissue as well as a means for mixing and/or disaggregating the tissue. The tissue may be washed, mixed or disaggregated by agitation to maximize cell viability and to minimize the amount of free lipid released. In one embodiment, the tissue is agitated by rotating the entire collection chamber <b>20</b> through an arc of varying degrees (e.g., through an arc of about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees) at varying speeds, e.g., about 30 revolutions per minute. In other embodiments, the tissue is agitated by rotating the entire collection chamber <b>20</b>, wherein the collection chamber <b>20</b> is comprised of one or more paddles or protrusions rigidly attached to an inside surface of the collection chamber, through an arc of varying degrees (e.g., through an arc of about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees) at varying speeds, e.g., about 30 revolutions per minute. In certain embodiments, the inside surface of the collection chamber <b>20</b> to which the paddles <b>25</b><i>a </i>or protrusions are rigidly attached is a prefixed filter <b>28</b>. In other embodiments, the inside surface of the collection chamber <b>20</b> to which the paddles <b>25</b><i>a </i>or protrusions are rigidly attached is a filter cage <b>27</b> of a prefixed filter <b>28</b>.

The rotation of the collection chamber <b>20</b> may be accomplished by a drive mechanism attached to or in proximity with the collection chamber <b>20</b>. The drive mechanism may be a simple belt or gear or other drive mechanism known in the art. The speed of the rotation may be, for example, 30 revolutions per minute. Generally, higher speeds have been found to generate larger volumes of free lipids and may not be optimal. In other embodiments, the tissue is agitated by placing a rotatable shaft <b>25</b> inside the collection chamber <b>20</b>, wherein the rotatable shaft is comprised of one or more paddles <b>25</b><i>a </i>or protrusions rigidly attached to the rotatable shaft <b>25</b> which pass through the mixture as the shaft is being rotated. In certain embodiments, the rotatable shaft <b>25</b> with rigidly attached <b>25</b><i>a </i>paddles may be rested on the bottom of the collection chamber <b>20</b>. This may be accomplished, for example, by placing the paddle-like device into a spinning magnetic field (e.g., magnetic stirrer). Alternatively, agitating of the tissue may be accomplished using a simple agitator known in the art, i.e. a device implementing shaking up and down without rotation.

An exemplary collection chamber <b>20</b> of the system, illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, is comprised of a vacuum line <b>11</b> which may be used to evacuate air from the chamber which allows the user to remove tissue with a user supplied cannula; an inlet port <b>21</b>; an outlet port <b>22</b> for draining or removing waste; and a rotatable shaft <b>25</b> with a paddle-like device wherein the one or more paddles <b>25</b><i>a </i>are rigidly attached to a filter cage <b>27</b> of a prefixed filter <b>28</b> for tissue agitation using a magnetic stirrer (not shown).

The system <b>10</b> may also be comprised of one or more washing solution sources <b>22</b>. The washing solution source may comprise a source of saline <b>23</b>, and a source of a tissue disaggregation agent <b>24</b>, such as collagenase. The washing solution may be any solution known to one of skill in the art, including saline or any other buffered or unbuffered electrolyte solution. Disaggregation agents that may be used include neutral proteases, collagenase, trypsin, lipase, hyaluronidase, deoxyribonuclease, members of the Blendzyme enzyme mixture family, e.g., Liberase H1, pepsin and/or combinations thereof. The types of tissue being processed will dictate the types or combinations of washing solutions used. Typically, the washing solution, such as saline, enters the collection chamber <b>20</b> after the adipose tissue has been removed from the patient. However, the washing solution may be delivered to the collection chamber <b>20</b> before the adipose tissue is extracted, or may be delivered to the collection chamber <b>20</b> concurrently with the adipose tissue. In the collection chamber <b>20</b>, the washing solution and the extracted adipose tissue may be mixed by any means including the methods described above.

The containers for the saline <b>23</b> and/or the disaggregation agents <b>24</b> may be any suitable container that can hold their contents in a sterile manner, e.g., a collapsible bag, such as an IV bag used in clinical settings. These containers may have conduits <b>12</b>, such as conduit <b>12</b><i>e</i>, coupled to the collection chamber <b>20</b> so that the saline and/or the disaggregation agent may be delivered to the interior of the collection chamber <b>20</b>. The saline and/or disaggregation agent may be delivered to the interior of the collection chamber <b>20</b> through any art-recognized manner, including simple gravity pressure applied to the outside of the containers for the saline <b>23</b> and/or the disaggregation agents <b>24</b> or by placement of a positive displacement pump on the conduits, e.g., conduit <b>12</b><i>d </i>in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

The tissue and/or fluid within the collection chamber should be maintained at a temperature ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the suspension inside the collection chamber is maintained at 37 degrees Celsius. In certain embodiments, if the surgical procedure or therapeutic application needs to be delayed, the selected tissue may be stored in the collection chamber for later use. The tissue may be stored at or about room temperature or at about 4 degrees Celsius for up to 96 hours.

To aid in the separation and concentration process, the collection chamber <b>20</b> allows for differentiation of buoyant and non-buoyant liquid within the chamber. In automated embodiments of the system, the collection chamber may be comprised of sensors <b>29</b> which can detect when the interface between the buoyant and non-buoyant liquids has been reached. For example, the sensor <b>29</b> may be an optical sensor which may be capable of detecting a change in the light refraction of the effluent which is flowing in the outlet fluid passageway of the collection chamber and sending a signal to the processing device of the system to thereby activate or de-activate one or more pumps and/or valves in accordance with the processing device associated with the system.

Since the buoyant layer is comprised of the regenerative cells that require further washing and concentrating, the collection chamber <b>20</b> is preferably comprised of an outlet port <b>22</b> at the lowest point of the chamber such that blood and other non-buoyant components of the tissue may be drained to the waste container. Accordingly, the collection chamber <b>20</b> may be coupled to one or more waste containers <b>40</b> via one or more conduits <b>12</b> described herein to permit waste from the collection chamber to be drained or removed from the system. The draining may be passive or active. For example, the non-buoyant components described above could be drained using gravity, by applying positive or negative pressure, by use of pumps <b>34</b> or by use of vents <b>32</b>. The collection chamber may be positioned such that the outlet ports <b>22</b> are positioned at, or near, the bottom of the collection chamber. The collection chamber is preferably positioned in this orientation to allow adipose tissue fragments to float, e.g. from 15 seconds to several minutes or longer. In automated embodiments, the processing device of the system calculates various parameters, e.g., the volume of saline required for washing the tissue and the time required for washing the tissue, based on information initially entered by the user (e.g., volume of tissue being processed). Based on the control logic of the processing device, certain valves and/or pumps are activated or de-activated such that waste from the collection chamber <b>20</b> is removed from the system. Sensors <b>29</b> such as optical sensors may be placed such that they are capable of signaling the processing device of the system to proceed with the next step in the tissue processing.

In a preferred embodiment, the collection chamber <b>20</b> is comprised of a closed fluid pathway that allows saline and reagents to be added to the tissue in an aseptic manner. Accordingly, the collection chamber <b>20</b> is further comprised of conduits <b>12</b>, e.g., flexible or rigid conduits, that are appropriately sized to allow for free passage of tissue and liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the conduits <b>12</b> are in the form of tubing. The conduits <b>12</b> can vary in size depending on whether passage of fluid or tissue is desired. The conduits <b>12</b> may also vary in size depending on the amount of tissue or fluid that is cycled through the system. For example, for the passage of fluid, the conduits may have a diameter ranging from about 0.060 to about 0.750 inches and for the passage of tissue, the conduits may have a diameter ranging from 0.312 to 0.750 inches. Generally, the size of the conduits is selected to balance the volume the conduits can accommodate and the time required to transport the tissue or fluids through said conduits. In automated embodiments of the system, the foregoing parameters, i.e., volume and time for transport, must be identified such that the appropriate signals can be transmitted to the processing device of the system. This allows the device to move accurate volumes of liquid and tissue from one chamber to another.

The collection chamber <b>20</b> also allows for removal of the washed adipose tissue to a processing chamber <b>30</b>. Accordingly, the collection chamber <b>20</b> must be connected to the necessary tubing <b>12</b>, valves <b>14</b> and pump <b>34</b> for the movement and storage of washed adipose tissue. In addition, the collection chamber <b>20</b> typically includes one or more ports <b>21</b> for permitting the washing solution to be delivered to the interior of the chamber, and one or more ports <b>22</b> for permitting waste and other materials to be directed out from the collection chamber <b>20</b>. For example, the collection chamber may include one or more sealed entry ports as described herein. The collection chamber <b>20</b> may also include one or more caps (not shown), such as a top cap and a bottom cap to further ensure that the system remains sterile while washing solution is delivered into the collection chamber and/or waste is transported out. The ports <b>21</b> may be provided on the caps of the collection chamber or on a sidewall of the collection chamber.

The process of washing with fresh wash solution may be repeated until the residual content of non-buoyant contaminants in the solution reaches a pre-determined level. In other words, the remaining material in the collection chamber <b>20</b>, which comprises the buoyant material of the mixture described above, including adipose tissue fragments, may be washed one or more additional times until the amount of undesired material is reduced to a desired pre-determined level. One method of determining the end point of the washing is to measure the amount of red blood cells in the tissue solution. This can be accomplished by measuring the light absorbed on the 540 nm wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, a range between about 0.546 and about 0.842 is deemed acceptable.

After a desired amount of wash cycles, a tissue disaggregation agent may be delivered to the collection chamber <b>20</b> to digest the remaining adipose tissue components. For example, saline, such as saline delivered from a saline source <b>23</b> as described above, may be added to the adipose tissue along with or immediately followed by addition of collagenase, such as collagenase delivered from a collagenase source <b>24</b> as described above. The washed adipose tissue and the tissue disaggregation agent may then be agitated in manners similar to the agitation methods described above, until the washed adipose tissue is disaggregated. For example, the washed adipose tissue and the tissue disaggregation agent may be agitated by rotating the entire collection chamber through an arc of approximately 90 degrees, by having a shaft which contains one or more paddles which pass through the solution as the shaft is being rotated, and/or by rotating the entire collection chamber which contains paddles or protrusions on the inside surface of the collection chamber.

In one embodiment, the adipose tissue fragments are mixed with a collagenase-containing enzyme solution at or around 37° C. for about 20-60 minutes. In other embodiments, a higher concentration of collagenase or similar agent may be added to decrease the digestion time. Similarly to that described above, the collection chamber <b>20</b> may then be placed in an upright position so that the outlet ports <b>22</b> are located at the bottom of the collection chamber for a period of time sufficient to allow buoyant cells and tissue fragments to float. Typically, the time may ranges from about 15 seconds to several minutes but other times may be implemented in modified embodiments.

Depending on the purpose for which the adipose derived cells will be used, the adipose tissue may either be partially disaggregated, or completely disaggregated. For example, in embodiments in which the adipose derived cells are to be combined with a unit of adipose tissue, it may be desirable to partially disaggregate the harvested adipose tissue, to remove a portion of the partially disaggregated adipose tissue, and then continue disaggregating the remaining portion of adipose tissue remaining in the collection chamber. Alternatively, a portion of washed adipose tissue may be removed and set aside in a sample container prior to any digestion. In another embodiment, harvested adipose tissue is partially disaggregated to concentrate cells before being reintroduced back into the patient. In one embodiment, the adipose tissue is mixed with a tissue disaggregation agent for a period of time generally less than about 20 minutes. A portion of the partially disaggregated tissue may then be removed from the collection chamber, and the remaining partially disaggregated tissue may be further disaggregated by mixing the adipose tissue with a tissue disaggregation agent for another 40 minutes. When the adipose derived cells are to be used as an essentially pure population of regenerative cells, the adipose tissue may be fully disaggregated.

During the washing and/or disaggregation, one or more additives may be added to the various containers as needed to enhance the results. Some examples of additives include agents that optimize washing and disaggregation, additives that enhance the viability of the active cell population during processing, anti-microbial agents (e.g., antibiotics), additives that lyse adipocytes and/or red blood cells, or additives that enrich for cell populations of interest (by differential adherence to solid phase moieties or to otherwise promote the substantial reduction or enrichment of cell populations). Other possible additives include those that promote recovery and viability of regenerative cells (for example, caspase inhibitors) or which reduce the likelihood of adverse reaction on infusion or emplacement (for example, inhibitors of re-aggregation of cells or connective tissue).

After a sufficient settling time has elapsed, the non-buoyant fraction of the resulting mixture of washed adipose tissue fragments and tissue disaggregation agents will contain regenerative cells, e.g., stem cells and other adipose derived progenitor cells. As discussed herein, the non-buoyant fraction containing the regenerative cells will be transferred to the processing chamber <b>30</b> wherein the regenerative cells of interest, such as the adipose derived stem cells, will be separated from other cells and materials present in the non-buoyant fraction of the mixture.

Accordingly, the processing chamber <b>30</b> is positioned within the system such that the rinsed and digested tissue suspension moves from the collection chamber <b>20</b> to the processing chamber <b>30</b> by way of tubing <b>12</b>, valves <b>14</b> and pump <b>34</b>. The processing chamber is sized to accommodate tissue/fluid mixtures ranging from 10 mL to 1.2 L. In a preferred embodiment, the processing chamber is sized to accommodate 800 mLs. In certain embodiments, the entire regenerative cell composition from the collection chamber <b>20</b> is directed to the processing chamber <b>30</b>. However, in other embodiments, a portion of the regenerative cell composition is directed to the processing chamber <b>30</b>, and another portion is directed to a different region of the system, e.g., the sample chamber <b>60</b>, to be recombined with cells processed in the processing chamber <b>30</b> at a later time. As previously set forth herein, the regenerative cell composition of the present invention is a composition of cells typically present in a volume of liquid after a tissue, e.g., adipose tissue, is washed and at least partially disaggregated. In other words, the regenerative cell composition that is transferred from the collection chamber <b>20</b> after being mixed with a tissue disaggregation agent, comprises multiple different types of cells, including stem cells, progenitor cells, endothelial precursor cells, adipocytes and other regenerative cells described herein. The regenerative cell composition may also contain one or more contaminants, such as collagen and other connective tissue proteins and fragments thereof, which were present in the adipose tissue fragments, or residual collagenase from the tissue disaggregation process.

The processing chamber <b>30</b> may be constructed using any suitable biocompatible material that can be sterilized. In a preferred embodiment, the processing chamber <b>30</b> is constructed of disposable material that meets biocompatibility requirements for intravascular contact, as described in the ISO 10993 standard. For example, polycarbonate, acrylic, ABS, ethylene vinyl acetate or styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBC) may be used. In another embodiment, the fluid path of the disposable processing chamber is pyrogen free. The processing chamber may be in the form of a plastic bag, such as those conventionally used in processing blood in blood banks; or in other embodiments, it may be structurally rigid (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>). In one embodiment, the processing chamber <b>30</b> may be similar to the processing chamber disclosed in commonly owned U.S. application Ser. No. 10/316,127, filed Dec. 7, 2001 and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/325,728, filed Dec. 20, 2002, the contents of which in their entirety are hereby incorporated by reference.

In certain embodiments, the regenerative cell composition from the collection chamber <b>20</b> is introduced into the processing chamber <b>30</b> where the solution can be filtered to separate and/or concentrate a particular regenerative cell composition. Cell filtration is a method of separating particular components and cells from other different components or types of cells. For example, the regenerative cell composition of the invention comprises multiple different types of cells, including stem cells, progenitor cells and adipocytes, as well as one or more contaminants, such as collagen, which was present in the adipose tissue fragments, or residual collagenase from the tissue disaggregation process. The filters <b>36</b> present in the processing chamber <b>30</b> may allow for separation and concentration of a particular subpopulation of regenerative cells, e.g., stem cells or endothelial progenitors cells etc.

Some variables which are associated with filtration of cells from a liquid include, but are not limited to, pore size of the filter media, geometry (shape) of the pore, surface area of the filter, flow direction of the solution being filtered, trans-membrane pressure, dilution of the particular cell population, particulate size and shape as well as cell size and cell viability. In accordance with the disclosure herein, the particular cells that are desired to be separated or filtered are typically adipose derived stem cells. However, in certain embodiments, the particular cells may include adipose derived progenitor cells, such as endothelial precursor cells, alone or in combination with the stem cells.

The regenerative cell composition may be directed through a filter assembly, such as filter assembly <b>36</b>. In certain embodiments, the filter assembly <b>36</b> comprises a plurality of filters which are structured to perform different functions and separate the regenerative cell composition into distinct parts or components. For example, one of the filters may be configured to separate collagen from the regenerative cell composition, one of the filters may be configured to separate adipocytes and/or lipid components from the regenerative cell composition, and one of the filters may be configured to separate residual enzymes, such as the tissue disaggregation agent, from the regenerative cell composition. In certain embodiments, one of the filters is capable of performing two functions, such as separating collagen and the tissue disaggregation agent from the composition. The plurality of filters are typically serially arranged; however, at least a portion of the filters may be arranged in parallel, as well. A serial arrangement of the filters of the filter assembly <b>36</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. A parallel arrangement of the filters of the filter assembly <b>36</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

In one embodiment, the filter assembly <b>36</b> comprises a first filter, a second filter, and a third filter. The first filter is configured to remove collagen particles present in the regenerative cell composition. These collagen particles are typically approximately 0.1 microns in diameter and can be up to 20 microns long. The collagen particles may be of varying sizes depending on the digestion. They also may be fibrils, meaning they have twists and turns. Any of the filters described herein may be made from polyethersulfone, polyester, PTFE, polypropylene, PVDF, or possibly cellulose. There are two possibilities for filtering the collagen. One is to try to remove the larger particles first, letting the cells go through, which would require for example a filter probably in the 10 micron range. The second method is to use a smaller size filter, such as 4.5 micron, with the intent that the collagen would be well digested, so as to trap the cells, and let the collagen pass through. This would require a means to float the cells back off the filter. There may also be a possibility of implementing a filter which would attract and hold the collagen fibers.

The second filter is configured to remove free immature adipocytes which are not buoyant in the regenerative cell composition. In one embodiment the second filter can be constructed of polyester and have a pore size between about 30 and about 50 microns with a preferred pore size being about 40 microns. Although referred to as a second filter, placement of such a device may be in a first, rather than second, position to facilitate an initial removal of larger cells and particles. The third filter is configured to remove the unused or residual collagenase or other tissue disaggregation agent present in the composition. In a preferred implementation, the collagenase may degenerate over time. In one embodiment, the third filter comprises a plurality of pores having a diameter, or length less than 1 μm. In certain embodiments, the pores may have diameters that are smaller than 1 μm. In other embodiments, the pores have diameters between 10 kD and 5 microns. In certain embodiments, the third filter may be configured to concentrate the regenerative cell population into a small volume of saline or other washing solution, as discussed herein. As presently preferred, only the final filter is the hollow fiber unit. It is not necessary for any of the filters to be of the hollow fiber type. The hollow fiber unit is used for the final filter in a preferred implementation because it is the most efficient in removing the collagenase with the smallest detrimental effect to the regenerative cells. In an embodiment wherein the device is a collection of off the shelf items, the three filters are in separate housings. It is feasible to have the first and second filters combined into one housing if a hollow fiber unit is used for the third filter. If the final filter is not a hollow fiber set-up then all three filters can be contained in one housing.

The filters of the filter assembly <b>36</b> may be located in the processing chamber <b>30</b> or may be provided as components separate from the processing chamber <b>30</b>. In addition, the filters of the filter assembly <b>36</b> may be provided in multiple processing chambers or in an inline fashion. In certain embodiments, the conduits or tubing may act as a processing chamber or chambers. The processing chamber can be reduced in size such that it becomes the inside volume of the conduits which connect the filters. This type of system will function correctly if the volume of tissue solution is sized appropriately. Thus, the conduits may act as the processing chamber by containing the fluid with cells as it is being run through the filters. Care may be taken to minimize the volume of the conduits so that cells/tissue are not unnecessarily lost in the process of priming and running the system.

Referring to the embodiment described above, the regenerative cell composition, containing the washed cells and residual collagen, adipocytes, and/or undigested tissue disaggregation agent, may be directed through the first filter to remove at least a portion of and preferably substantially all of the collagen particles from the composition so that fewer, and preferably no, collagen particles are present in the filtered solution. The filtered regenerative cell composition containing the adipocytes and/or undigested tissue disaggregation agent, may then be directed through the second filter to remove at least a portion of and preferably substantially all of the free adipocytes from the filtered regenerative cell composition. Subsequently, the twice filtered regenerative cell composition, containing the undigested tissue disaggregation agent, may be directed through the third filter, such as a hollow fiber filtration device, as discussed herein, to remove or reduce the undigested tissue disaggregation agent from the regenerative cell composition.

The thrice-filtered regenerative cell composition (i.e., the composition remaining after being passed through the first, second, and third filters) may then be directed to multiple outlets, which may include a portion of the processing chamber <b>30</b> comprising multiple outlets. These outlets can serve to maintain the necessary pressure, as well as to provide connections via conduits to other containers which may include the collection chamber <b>20</b>, the output chamber <b>50</b>, and/or the waste container <b>40</b>.

In one embodiment, a filter of the filter assembly <b>36</b> comprises a hollow-fiber filtration member. Or, in other words, the filter comprises a collection of hollow tubes formed with the filter media. Examples of filter media which can be used with the disclosed system <b>10</b> include polysulfone, polyethersulfone or a mixed ester material, and the like. These hollow fibers or hollow tubes of filter media may be contained in a cylindrical cartridge of the filter assembly <b>36</b>. The individual tubes or fibers of filter media typically have an inside diameter which ranges from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm with a preferred value being about 0.5 mm. The diameter and length of a suitable cylindrical cartridge will determine the number of individual tubes of filter media which can be placed inside the cartridge. One example of a suitable hollow fiber filter cartridge is the FiberFlo® Tangential Flow Filter, catalog #M-C-050-K (Minntech, Minneapolis, Minn.). Pore sizes of the filter media can range between about 10 kiloDaltons and about 5 microns with a preferred pore size being about 0.5 microns.

In the hollow-fiber filter, each hollow tube has a body with a first end, a second end, and a lumen located in the body and extending between the first end and second end. The body of each hollow tube includes a plurality of pores. The pores are generally oriented in the body so that a regenerative cell composition is filtered by flowing through the lumen of the body, and the products to be filtered tangentially pass through the pores, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>. In other words, the smaller particles in the liquid pass tangentially through the pores relative the flow of fluid through the lumen of the body. The composition with the regenerative cells passes through the lumen of each hollow tube when the composition is being filtered. Preferably, the flow of the composition is tangential to the pores of the body of each hollow tube.

By using a tangential flow of fluid, the efficiency of filtration of the stem cells may be enhanced relative to other filtration techniques. For example, in accordance with some filtration techniques, the pores of the filter media are placed in such a manner that the filter is orientated perpendicular to the flow of the fluid so that the Filter media blocks the path of the fluid being filtered, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>. In this type of filtration, the particles which are being filtered out of the regenerative cell composition, e.g., the stem cells, tend to build up on one side of the filter and block the flow of the fluid through the pores. This blockage can reduce the efficiency of the filter. In addition, the cells are constantly compressed by the pressure of the fluid flow as well as the weight of the cells accumulating on the upstream side of the filter. This can lead to increased lysis of stem cells. Thus, in such filtration techniques wherein the flow of fluid is parallel to the orientation of the pores in the filter, both large cells and small particles can be undesirably directed against the filter media as the fluid is passed through the pores. Consequently, larger products in the liquid such as cells may block the pores, thereby decreasing the filtering effect and increasing an occurrence of cell rupture or injury.

In contrast, in the hollow fiber configuration of the present system <b>10</b>, the fluid which is being filtered flows inside the lumen of the hollow tube. The portion of the fluid which has the ability to pass through the pores of the body of the filter does so with the aid of the positive pressure of the fluid on the inside of the body as well as a negative pressure which is applied on the outside of the body. In this embodiment, the cells typically are not subjected to the pressure of the fluid flow or the weight of other cells, and therefore, the shear forces on the stem cells are reduced Thus, the efficiency and effectiveness of the filtration can be enhanced by the reduction in clogging rates and the reduction in regenerative cell lysis. Due to the size of the saline and unwanted protein molecules, during filtration, these molecules and other small components pass through the pores of the bodies of the hollow tubes to the outside of the hollow tubes and are directed to the waste container <b>40</b>. In one embodiment, filtration is enhanced by generating a vacuum on the outside of the hollow tube filter media. Due to the size of the regenerative cells, e.g., stem cells or progenitor cells, these cells typically cannot pass through the pores of the body and therefore remain on the inside of the hollow tube filter (e.g., in the lumens of the tubes) and are directed back to the processing chamber <b>30</b> via a conduit between the filter and the processing chamber, or to the output chamber <b>50</b>.

In one specific embodiment, the hollow fiber filter has about a 0.05 micron pore size, and contains approximately 550 cm²surface area of filter media. An individual media tube typically has a diameter of about 0.5 mm. In processing 130 ml of the regenerative cell composition, approximately 120 ml of additional saline may be added to the composition. The processing or filter time may be approximately 8 minutes. The differential of the pressures on either side of the body of the hollow fiber tube (e.g., the pressure inside the lumen of the body, and outside the body) is considered the trans-membrane pressure. The trans-membrane pressure can range from about 1 mmHg to about 500 mmHg with a preferred pressure being about 200 mmHg. The average nucleated cell recovery and viability using hollow fiber filtration can be approximately 80% of viable cells.

The amount of collagenase which is typically removed in such a system equates to a three log reduction. For example if the initial concentration of collagenase in the regenerative cell composition which is transferred from the collection chamber to the processing chamber is 0.078 U/ml the collagenase concentration of the final regenerative cell composition would be 0.00078 U/ml. The collagenase is removed in the hollow fiber filter, and the hollow fiber filter corresponds to the third filter discussed above.

Processing chambers illustrating one or more cell filtration methods described above are shown in the Figures, particularly <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>. With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, between the processing chamber <b>30</b> and the filtering chamber of the filter assembly <b>36</b>, a pump may be provided, such as pump <b>34</b>. In addition, vent and pressure sensors, such as vent <b>32</b>, and pressure sensor <b>39</b>, may be provided in line with the processing chamber <b>30</b> and the filter assembly <b>36</b>. Fittings for the output chamber <b>50</b> may also be provided. These optional components (e.g., the pump <b>34</b>, the vent <b>32</b>, the pressure sensor <b>39</b>, and the fittings for the output chamber <b>50</b>) may be provided between the processing chamber <b>30</b> and the filter assembly <b>36</b> so that liquid contained in the processing chamber <b>30</b> may flow to one or more of these optional components before flowing through the filter assembly <b>36</b>. For example, liquid may flow through the pump <b>34</b> before it is passed to the filter assembly <b>36</b>. Or, liquid may pass through the pressure sensor <b>39</b> before passing through the filter assembly to obtain a pre-filter liquid pressure in the system. In certain situations, one or more of these components may also be provided as an element of the processing chamber <b>30</b>, such as the vent <b>32</b> as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure sensor <b>39</b> is in line to determine the pressure of the regenerative cell composition which is generated by the pump <b>34</b> as it enters the filtering chamber of the filter assembly <b>36</b>. This construction can facilitate monitoring of the trans-membrane pressure across the filter membrane. Additional saline or other buffer and washing solution can be added to the regenerative cell composition to assist in the removal of unwanted proteins as the composition is being filtered through the filter assembly <b>36</b>. This repeated washing can be performed multiple times to enhance the purity of the regenerative cell composition. In certain embodiments, the saline can be added at any step as deemed necessary to enhance filtration.

In one specific embodiment, which is provided by way of example and not limitation, the unwanted proteins and saline or other washing solution is removed in the following manner. The composition with the regenerative cells, as well as collagen and connective tissue particles or fragments, adipocytes, and collagenase, is cycled through a series of filters until a minimum volume is reached. The minimum volume is a function of the total hold up volume of the system and some predetermined constant. The hold up volume is the volume of liquid which is contained in the tubing and conduits if all of the processing chambers are empty. In one embodiment, the minimum volume is 15 ml. When the minimum volume is reached, a predetermined volume of washing solution is introduced into the system to be mixed with the regenerative cell composition. This mixture of washing solution and the regenerative cell composition is then cycled through the filters until the minimum volume is reached again. This cycle can be repeated multiple times to enhance the purity of the regenerative cells, or in other words, to increase the ratio of regenerative cells in the composition to the other materials in the composition. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>.

After it has been determined that the regenerative cell composition has been cleansed of unwanted proteins and concentrated sufficiently (in exemplary embodiments, minimum concentrations within a range of about 1×10⁵to about 1×10⁷cells/ml can be used and, in a preferred embodiment the minimum concentration can be about 1×10⁷cells/ml), an output chamber <b>50</b>, such as an output bag, may be connected to an outlet port of the processing chamber <b>30</b> and/or the filter assembly <b>36</b>, depending on the specific embodiment. A vent, such as the vent <b>32</b>, may then be opened to facilitate the output of the concentrated regenerative cells. In one implementation, this determination of when a minimum concentration has been reached is made empirically after experiments have been run and programmed into the electronic controls of the device. The determination can be an input into the process of what is desired to yield, i.e., how many stem/progenitor cells are desired, or range of cell concentration. Based on scientific data, a predefined amount of adipose tissue needs to be obtained and placed into the system to achieve the desired output. With the vent <b>32</b> open, a pump, such as the pump <b>34</b>, can function to transfer the concentrated regenerative cells into the output bag. In one embodiment, the output bag <b>50</b> is similar to an empty blood bag which has a tube with a fitting on one end. In a sterile fashion, the fitting on the output bag may be attached to the outlet port, and the concentrated regenerative cells may be transferred to the output bag.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, a vacuum pump <b>26</b> may be provided in the system <b>10</b> to change the pressure in the system, among other things. For example, the vacuum pump <b>26</b> may be coupled to the collection chamber <b>20</b> via a conduit, such as conduit <b>12</b><i>b</i>, to cause a decrease in pressure within the collection chamber <b>20</b>. Vacuum pump <b>26</b> may also be coupled to the processing chamber <b>30</b> by way of a conduit, such as conduit <b>12</b><i>g</i>. Regarding the operation of vacuum pump <b>26</b> in connection with pump <b>34</b>, two separate vacuum pumps or sources may be implemented, or a single one may be implemented by using valves which direct the vacuum pull to the different conduits that need it at specific points in the process. In addition, vacuum pump <b>26</b> may be coupled to the waste container <b>40</b> via a conduit, such as conduit <b>12</b><i>f. </i>

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, the pressure generated by the vacuum pump <b>26</b> can be used to direct the flow of fluids, including the regenerative cells, through the conduits <b>12</b>. This pressure can be supplied in multiple directions, for example, by automatically or manually controlling the position of one or more valves <b>14</b> in the system <b>10</b>. The system <b>10</b> can be made to function properly with the use of positive pressure or through the use of negative pressure, or combinations thereof. For instance, the regenerative cells can be pulled through the first and second filters described above into a soft sided container which is connected to the third filter. The soft-sided container can be in line (serial) connected ahead of the third filter. The final output chamber may be a soft sided container which is on the other side (e.g., the downstream side) of the third filter. In this embodiment, pressure is used to move the regenerative cells from one soft sided container to a second soft sided container through the filter.

In another embodiment of the system <b>10</b>, the filtration of the stem cells and/or adipose derived progenitor cells may be accomplished using a combination of percolative filtration and sedimentation. For example, such a system uses saline that is passed through a tissue regenerative cell composition (e.g., the composition containing the stem cells and/or adipose derived progenitor cells) and then through a filter. Some of the variables which are associated with percolative filtration of cells from a regenerative cell composition include, but are not limited to, pore size of the filter media, pore geometry or shape, surface area of the filter, flow direction of the regenerative cell composition being filtered, flow rate of the infused saline, trans-membrane pressure, dilution of the cell population, cell size and viability.

In one embodiment of the system <b>10</b>, the processing chamber <b>30</b> uses a filter assembly <b>36</b> which implements percolative filtration and sedimentation to separate and concentrate the regenerative cells. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the processing chamber <b>30</b> is defined as a generally cylindrical body having a sidewall <b>30</b><i>a</i>, a top surface <b>30</b><i>b</i>, and a bottom surface <b>30</b><i>c</i>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. A sterile vent <b>32</b> is provided in the top surface <b>30</b><i>b. </i>

In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the processing chamber <b>30</b> is illustrated as including a filter assembly <b>36</b>, which includes two filters, such as large pore filter <b>36</b><i>a</i>, and small pore filter <b>36</b><i>b</i>. The pore sizes of the filters <b>36</b><i>a </i>and <b>36</b><i>b </i>typically are in a range between about 0.05 microns and about 10 microns. The large pore filter <b>36</b><i>a </i>may comprise pores with a diameter of about 5 μm, and the small pore filter <b>36</b><i>b </i>may comprise pores with a diameter of about 1-3 μm. In one embodiment, the filters have a surface area of about 785 mm². Filters <b>36</b><i>a </i>and <b>36</b><i>b </i>divide an interior of the processing chamber <b>30</b> to include a first chamber <b>37</b><i>a</i>, a second chamber <b>37</b><i>b</i>, and a third chamber <b>37</b><i>c</i>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, first chamber <b>37</b><i>a </i>is located between second chamber <b>37</b><i>b </i>and third chamber <b>37</b><i>c</i>. In addition, first chamber <b>37</b><i>a </i>is shown as being the region of the processing chamber <b>30</b> having an inlet port <b>31</b><i>a </i>and an outlet port <b>31</b><i>b</i>. The illustrated processing chamber <b>30</b> includes a plurality of ports providing communication paths from an exterior of the processing chamber <b>30</b> to the interior of the processing chamber <b>30</b>, such as ports <b>31</b><i>a</i>, <b>31</b><i>b</i>, and <b>31</b><i>c</i>. The ports <b>31</b><i>a</i>, <b>31</b><i>b</i>, and <b>31</b><i>c</i>, are illustrated as being disposed in the sidewall <b>30</b><i>a </i>of a body of the processing chamber <b>30</b>. However, the ports <b>31</b><i>a</i>, <b>31</b><i>b</i>, and <b>31</b><i>c </i>could be positioned in other regions, as well. Port <b>31</b><i>a </i>is illustrated as a sample inlet port, which is constructed to be coupled to a conduit so that a composition containing regenerative cells can be passed into the interior of the processing chamber <b>30</b>. Port <b>31</b><i>b </i>is illustrated as an outlet port constructed to be coupled to a conduit so that the separated and concentrated cells may be removed from the interior of the processing chamber <b>30</b>. Port <b>31</b><i>c </i>is illustrated as an inlet port constructed to be coupled to a conduit for delivery of a fresh washing solution, such as saline into the interior of the processing chamber <b>30</b>.

In use, the regenerative cells may be introduced into the central chamber <b>37</b><i>a </i>via inlet port <b>31</b><i>a</i>. Saline or other buffer is introduced into the bottom chamber <b>37</b><i>b </i>through inlet port <b>31</b><i>c</i>. The saline may be directed through the regenerative cell composition in chamber <b>37</b><i>a </i>at a rate of about 10 ml/min. The flow rate of the saline is such that it counteracts the force of gravity. The flow of saline gives the cells in the chamber the ability to separate based on the density of the cells. Typically, as the saline is forced up through the composition the larger cells in the composition will settle to the bottom of the central chamber <b>37</b><i>a</i>, and the smaller cells and proteins will be carried away through the second filter <b>36</b><i>b </i>into the top chamber <b>37</b><i>c</i>. This filtering is accomplished by adjusting the flow rate of the saline such that the larger cells are rolled in place which allows the smaller particles to be liberated and carried off with the saline. The sterile vent <b>32</b> is included in the chamber <b>30</b> to ensure that the correct pressure gradient is maintained in the three chambers within the processing unit. The upper chamber <b>37</b><i>c </i>can comprise an absorbent media <b>33</b>. The purpose of the absorbent media is to trap the unwanted proteins in the solution to ensure that they do not cross the filter media back into the processing solution, if, for example, the saline flow rate decreases. An absorbent media can be a type of filter material that is absorbent, or attracts materials or components to be filtered out. An outflow port can be added above the top filter to help draw off the waste. Another embodiment of this may be to apply a gentle vacuum from the top to help pull off waste. Absorbent media can be implemented when, as in the illustrated embodiment, the flow rates are relatively small. Excess saline and proteins are then carried away to a waste container.

When the larger cells, (e.g., the adipose derived stem cells and/or progenitor cells) have been sufficiently separated from smaller cells and proteins, the composition containing the separated cells may be concentrated, as discussed herein. The composition may be further concentrated after it has been removed from chamber <b>37</b><i>a </i>through outlet port <b>31</b><i>b</i>, or while it is in the chamber <b>37</b><i>a</i>. In one embodiment, the concentration of cells in the composition is increased in the following manner. After the cells have been sufficiently separated the filters, such as filters <b>36</b><i>a </i>and <b>36</b><i>b</i>, may be moved towards each other. This movement has the effect of reducing the volume between the two filters (e.g., the volume of chamber <b>37</b><i>a</i>). A vibrating member may also be provided in connection with the processing chamber <b>30</b> to facilitate concentrating of the cells in the composition. In one embodiment, the vibrating member may be coupled to the filter <b>36</b><i>b </i>(e.g., the small pore filter). Vibrating can reduce an incidence of cells becoming trapped in the filters. The reduction in volume of the composition allows the excess saline to be removed as waste and the cells to be concentrated in a smaller volume.

In another embodiment, the concentration of the regenerative cells is accomplished in the following manner. After the cells have been sufficiently separated, the regenerative cell composition can be transferred to another chamber (not shown) which uses gravity to filter out the excess saline. In a preferred embodiment, the sedimentation can occur at the same time as the percolation. This sedimentation may be accomplished by introducing the composition on top of a filter which has a pore size ranging from about 10 kD to about 2 microns. In one embodiment, a suitable filter has a pore size of about 1 micron. The force of gravity will allow the saline and smaller particles to be passed through the filter while preventing the cells in the composition to flow through the filter. After the desired concentration of cells has been obtained, and after the filtered smaller particles have been removed from below the filter, the regenerative cell composition may be agitated to remove the cells from the filter and, subsequently, the concentrated regenerative cells may be transferred to the output bag. The smaller particles can be drawn off as waste through an outlet.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the processing chamber is comprised of a centrifuge chamber or a cell concentrator (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref>, <b>7</b> and <b>8</b>) that facilitates separation of the regenerative cells from the regenerative cell composition. For example, the cell concentrator may be a centrifuge device or part of a centrifuge device that may separate regenerative cells from the regenerative cell composition based on, e.g., size or density (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>). The cell concentrator may also be a spinning membrane filter.

Centrifugation is recognized in the art as a means for separating and concentrating solutions having multiple components of varying densities. This is done by imparting a centripetal force on the solution which is, for example, higher than gravity. The imparted force causes the tissue solution to separate based on the cell and or particle density. After the cells have been sufficiently concentrated the excess saline and proteins may be removed. Some of the variables which are associated with centrifugation separation of the cells from the solution include, but are not limited to, speed of the rotor, distance of the solution from the center of rotation, and time.

The centrifuge device may be a component of the processing chamber <b>30</b>, or may be separate from the processing chamber. The centrifuge device may also be partially within the processing chamber and partially separate from the processing chamber (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref>). Typically, the centrifuge device causes a container containing the cell solution, e.g., an output chamber <b>50</b>, to spin around an axis thereby increasing the force on the cells in the solution to be greater than gravity. The denser or heavier materials in the solution typically settle to one end of the output chamber <b>50</b> to form a pellet. The pellet may then be re-suspended to obtain a solution with a desired concentration of cells and/or a desired volumes of cells and medium.

In other embodiments, the processing chamber <b>30</b> itself may be in the form of a centrifuge chamber or cell concentrator. Generally, such a processing chamber is constructed to separate and concentrate cells using both centrifugal and gravitational forces. Specifically, during centrifugation, centrifugal force directs the denser components of the regenerative cell composition, e.g., the regenerative cells, towards the outermost ends of the centrifuge chamber. As the centrifuge chamber slows down and eventually stops, gravitational force helps the regenerative cells to remain in the outermost ends of the centrifuge chamber and form a cell pellet. Accordingly, the unwanted components of the regenerative cell composition, i.e., the waste, can be removed without disturbing the cell pellet.

In a further embodiment of the centrifugation process, centrifugal elutriation may also be applied. In this embodiment, the cells may be separated based on the individual cell sedimentation rate such that the directional (e.g., outward) force applied by centrifugation causes cells and solutes to sediment at different rates. In elutriation, the sedimentation rate of the target cell population is opposed by an opposite (e.g., inward) flow rate applied by pumping solution in the opposite direction to the centrifugal force. The counterflow is adjusted so that the cells and particles within the solution are separated. Elutriation has been applied in many instances of cell separation (Inoue, Carsten et al. 1981; Hayner, Braun et al. 1984; Noga 1999) and the principles and practices used to optimize flow and centrifugal parameters can be applied herein in light of the present disclosure by one skilled in the art.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates principles associated with an elutriation implementation in accordance with the present invention. The elutriation embodiment can be similar to a centrifugation implementation to the extent that a force is applied to the solution using a spinning rotor. Some of the variables which are associated with the presently embodied elutriation separation include, but are not limited to, the size and shape of the spinning chamber, the diameter of the rotor, the speed of the rotor, the diameter of the counter flow tubing, the flow rate of the counter flow, as well as the size and density of the particles and cells which are to be removed from solution. As in centrifugation, the regenerative cells can be separated based on individual cell densities.

In one embodiment the regenerative cell composition, e.g., the solution containing the regenerative cells and the collagenase, is introduced into a chamber of a spinning rotor, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9.1</figref>. After the solution is added to the chamber additional saline is added to the chamber at a predetermined flow rate. The flow rate of the saline can be predetermined as a function of the speed of the rotor, the cell diameter, and the chamber constant which has been established empirically. The flow rate will be controlled for example with a device similar to an IV pump. A purpose of the additional saline is to provide a condition inside the rotor chamber where the larger particles will move to one side of the chamber and the smaller particles will move to the other, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9.2</figref>. The flow is adjusted so that, in this application, the smaller particles will exit the chamber and move to a waste container, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9.3</figref>. This movement results in the solution in the rotor chamber having a substantially homogenous population of cells, such as stem cells.

After it has been determined that the stem cells have been separated from the rest of the items in the solution (with unwanted proteins and free lipids having been removed from the chamber), the counter flow is stopped. The cells inside the chamber will then form a concentrated pellet on the outside wall of the chamber. The counter flow is reversed and the cell pellet is transferred to the output bag.

An exemplary processing chamber <b>30</b> in the form of a centrifuge chamber or cell concentrator, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, is comprised of a rotating seal <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> comprising an outer housing <b>30</b>.<b>2</b>, one or more seals <b>30</b>.<b>3</b>, one or more bearings <b>30</b>.<b>4</b> and an attachment point <b>30</b>.<b>6</b> for attaching the processing chamber to the centrifuge device of the system; one or more fluid paths <b>30</b>.<b>5</b> in the form of conduits extending out from the rotating seal and ending in a centrifuge chamber on each end which is in the form of an output chamber <b>50</b> housed in a frame <b>53</b> wherein the frame is comprised of one or more ports <b>52</b> and one or more handles to manually re-position the output chamber <b>50</b>.

In certain embodiments, the processing chamber <b>30</b> in the form of a centrifuge chamber is comprised of one or more fluid paths <b>30</b>.<b>5</b> which lead into and out of the various components of the processing chamber, e.g., the output chambers <b>50</b>. In one embodiment, one fluid path <b>30</b>.<b>6</b> radiates outward from the central axis of the processing chamber <b>30</b> and terminates near the outer ends of the processing chamber <b>30</b>, i.e., within the centrifuge chambers which house the output chambers <b>50</b>. Such a fluid path may be used to, for example, transport the regenerative cell composition from a collection chamber <b>20</b> to the processing chamber <b>30</b>. The fluid path may also be used to re-suspend the cell pellet that is formed after centrifugation. Accordingly, the placement and size of the fluid path must be optimized. The processing chamber may also comprise a fluid path <b>30</b>.<b>5</b> which terminates at the bottom central portion of the processing chamber. Such a fluid path may be used to remove supernatant or waste from the output chambers <b>50</b>. Alternatively, the processing chamber comprises a fluid path which terminates at the bottom central portion of the processing chamber which is used to remove supernatant or waste generated by the processing chamber <b>30</b> itself.

In certain embodiments, the processing chamber <b>30</b> has two fluid paths. Both fluid paths go through the top of the processing chamber (i.e., the center of the shaft in the rotating seal). One fluid path continues straight down to the bottom of the processing chamber and the other splits into two and extends to the outer ends of the processing chamber, i.e., towards the centrifuge chambers which house the output chambers. In a reconfigured embodiment, the processing chamber <b>30</b> has the same general shape but one of the fluid paths is moved or changed. In this embodiment, one fluid path continues straight from the shaft in the rotating seal to the bottom of the processing chamber. The second fluid path, however, splits outside the processing chamber and then connects to the outer ends of the processing chamber. In this embodiment, large output volumes may be generated as the fluid path may be used to add additives and re-suspension solutions to the centrifuge chamber and/or the output chambers directly.

Processing chambers comprising a centrifugation device described above are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref>, <b>7</b>-<b>9</b> and <b>14</b>-<b>15</b>. With reference to FIGS. <b>4</b> and <b>7</b>-<b>9</b>, between the collection chamber <b>20</b> and the processing chamber <b>30</b>, a pump <b>34</b> and one or more valves <b>14</b> may be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the valves <b>14</b> are electromechanical valves. In addition, sensors, such as pressure sensor <b>29</b>, may be provided in line with the processing chamber <b>30</b> and the collection chamber <b>36</b>. Utilizing a processing chamber <b>30</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, the regenerative cell composition may be pumped from the collection chamber <b>20</b> along a pathway through the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> comprising an outer housing <b>30</b>.<b>2</b>, one or more seals <b>30</b>.<b>3</b> (e.g., lip seals), and one or more bearings <b>30</b>.<b>4</b>.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> which includes a rotating shaft is further comprised of two or more bearings <b>30</b>.<b>4</b>, three or more lip seals <b>30</b>.<b>3</b>, and an outer housing <b>30</b>.<b>2</b>. In this embodiment, the bearings <b>30</b>.<b>4</b> further comprise an outer and inner shaft (not shown) referred to herein as races. These races may be separated by precision ground spheres. The races and spheres comprising the bearings are preferably fabricated with material suitable for contact with bodily fluid, or are coated with material suitable for contact with bodily fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the races and spheres are fabricated using, for example, silicone nitride or zirconia. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the three lip seals are comprised of a circular “U” shaped channel (not shown) as well as a circular spring (not shown). The circular “U” shaped channel is preferably fabricated using flexible material such that a leakage proof junction with the rotating shaft of the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> is formed. Additionally, the lip seals are preferably oriented in a manner such that pressure from the regenerative cell composition flowing through the processing chamber causes the seal assembly to tighten its junction with the rotating shaft by way of increased tension. The seals may be secured in position by way of one or more circular clips (not shown) which are capable of expanding and/or collapsing as needed in order to engage a groove in the outer housing <b>30</b>.<b>2</b> of the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b>. Generally, the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> is preferably designed such that multiple fluid pathways, e.g., fluid pathway <b>30</b>.<b>5</b>, can be maintained in a sterile condition and can be accessed while the centrifuge chamber of the processing chamber is spinning. Accordingly, an advantage of this embodiment is that all areas of the processing chamber illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref> can be accessed at any given time during the separation and concentration phase of the system. Finally, the heat generated by or near the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> must be controlled to prevent lysis of the cells in the solution which is being moved through the passage. This may be accomplished by, for example, selecting a hard material for constructing the rotating shaft, polishing the area of the rotating shaft which comes in contact with the seals and minimizing contact between the rotating shaft and the seal.

In one embodiment the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> is comprised of a single rubber seal <b>30</b>.<b>3</b> and an air gasket (not shown). This seal and gasket provide a tortuous path for any biologic matter which could compromise the sterility of the system. In another embodiment the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> is comprised of multiple spring loaded seals <b>30</b>.<b>3</b> which isolate the individual fluid paths. The seals <b>30</b>.<b>3</b> are fabricated of a material which can be sterilized as well as seal the rotating shaft without lubricant. In another embodiment the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> is compromised of a pair of ceramic disks (not shown) which create the different fluid paths and can withstand the rotation of the system and not cause cell lysis. In another embodiment the fluid pathway is flexible and is allowed to wind and unwind with respect to the processing chamber. This is accomplished by having the flexible fluid pathway rotate one revolution for every two revolutions of the processing chamber <b>30</b>. This eliminates the need for a rotating seal altogether.

In one embodiment the processing chamber <b>30</b> is designed such that the fluid path enters through the axis of rotation of the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b> and then divides into a minimum of two fluid pathways <b>30</b>.<b>5</b> each of which lead to opposite extremes of the processing chamber <b>30</b> towards the output chambers <b>50</b>. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the processing chamber <b>30</b> is comprised of two or more output chambers <b>50</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>. These output chambers <b>50</b> are positioned such that they are in one orientation during processing <b>30</b>.<b>7</b> and another orientation for retrieval of concentrated regenerative cells <b>30</b>.<b>8</b>. The two positions of the output chamber <b>50</b> may be manually manipulated through a handle <b>53</b> which protrudes out of the processing chamber <b>30</b>. Once the regenerative cell composition is transferred to the processing chamber of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the composition is subjected to a load of, for example, approximately 400 times the force of gravity for a period of approximately 5 minutes. The output chamber <b>50</b> is constructed such that the outer extremes of the chamber form a small reservoir for the dense particles and cells. The output chamber <b>50</b> retains the dense particles in what is termed a ‘cell pellet’, while allowing the lighter supernatant to be removed through the second fluid path (not shown). The output chamber is further constructed such that the supernatant may be removed without disturbing the cell pellet. This may be accomplished via fluid pathway which is controlled with valves <b>14</b> and a pump <b>34</b> that help remove the supernatant. The second fluid path is along the axis of rotation of the rotating seal network <b>30</b>.<b>1</b>. This fluid path travels from the low point in the center of the processing chamber <b>30</b> through the rotating seal to the waste container <b>40</b>.

The cell pellet comprises the concentrated regenerative cells of the invention. In some embodiments, after the supernatant is removed and directed to the waste chamber <b>40</b>, additional solutions and/or other additives may be added to the processing chamber <b>30</b> from the collection chamber <b>20</b> in the manner described above to thereby re-suspend the cell pellet. Re-suspension of the cell pellet in this manner allows for further washing of the regenerative cells to remove unwanted proteins and chemical compounds as well as increasing the flow of oxygen to the cells. The resulting suspension may be subjected to another load of approximately 400 times the force of gravity for another period of approximately 5 minutes. After a second ‘cell pellet’ is formed, and the resulting supernatant is removed to the waste chamber <b>40</b>, a final wash in the manner described above may be performed with saline or some other appropriate buffer solution. The final pellet present in the output chamber <b>50</b> may then be retrieved using an appropriate syringe after the output chamber <b>50</b> is positioned in the orientation appropriate for cell removal. In other embodiments, the final pellet may be automatically moved to a container in the in the output chamber <b>50</b> which may be removed and stored or used as needed. This container may be in any appropriate form or size. For example, the container may be a syringe. In all embodiments, the final pellet is removed in an aseptic manner. For example, an output container <b>50</b> may be automatically heat sealed and isolated from the other components of the processing chamber for subsequent retrieval and use in proprietary therapeutic applications as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the pressure sensor <b>29</b> is in line to determine the pressure of the regenerative cell composition which is generated by the pump <b>34</b> as it enters the processing chamber <b>30</b>. Additional saline or other buffer and washing solution can be added to the regenerative cell composition to assist in the removal of unwanted proteins as the solution is being processed in the processing chamber <b>30</b>. This repeated washing can be performed multiple times to enhance the purity of the regenerative cell solution. In certain embodiments, the saline can be added at any step as deemed necessary to enhance processing.

In other embodiments, the processing chamber <b>30</b> or the output chamber <b>50</b> may include one or more ports, e.g., ports <b>51</b> or <b>52</b>. One or more of these ports may be designed to direct the regenerative cells, or a portion thereof, to other targets such as implant materials (e.g., scaffolds or bone fragments), surgical devices, cell culturing devices or purification devices. In these embodiments, the processing chamber <b>30</b> or the output chamber <b>50</b> may additionally comprise a device to mix the regenerative cells and additives. Mixing may be achieved by any means known to those skilled in the art including but not limited to agitation, rocking, inversion or by compression pulsed or moving rollers. The ports may be also be used to add one or more additives, e.g., growth factors, re-suspension fluids, cell culture reagents, cell expansion reagents, cell preservation reagents or cell modification reagents including agents that transfer genes to the cells. Other examples of additives include agents that optimize washing and disaggregation, additives that enhance the viability of the active cell population during processing, anti-microbial agents (e.g., antibiotics), additives that lyse adipocytes and/or red blood cells, or additives that enrich for cell populations of interest (by differential adherence to solid phase moieties or to otherwise promote the substantial reduction or enrichment of cell populations).

For example, to obtain a homogenous regenerative cell population, any suitable method for separating the particular regenerative cell type may be employed, such as the use of cell-specific antibodies that recognize and bind antigens present on, for example, stem cells or progenitor cells, e.g., endothelial precursor cells. These include both positive selection (selecting the target cells), negative selection (selective removal of unwanted cells), or combinations thereof. Intracellular markers such as enzymes may also be used in selection using molecules which fluoresce when acted upon by specific enzymes. In addition, a solid phase material with adhesive properties selected to allow for differential adherence and/or elution of a particular population of regenerative cells within the final cell pellet could be inserted into the output chamber of the system.

An alternate embodiment of this differential adherence approach would include use of antibodies and/or combinations of antibodies recognizing surface molecules differentially expressed on target regenerative cells and unwanted cells. Selection on the basis of expression of specific cell surface markers (or combinations thereof) is another commonly applied technique in which antibodies are attached (directly or indirectly) to a solid phase support structure (Geiselhart et al., 1996; Formanek et al., 1998; Graepler et al., 1998; Kobari et al., 2001; Mohr et al., 2001).

In another embodiment the cell pellet could be re-suspended, layered over (or under) a fluid material formed into a continuous or discontinuous density gradient and placed in a centrifuge for separation of cell populations on the basis of cell density. In a similar embodiment continuous flow approaches such as apheresis (Smith, 1997), and elutriation (with or without counter-current) (Lasch et al., 2000) (Ito and Shinomiya, 2001) may also be employed.

In all of the foregoing embodiments, at least a portion of the separated adipose derived cells may be cryopreserved, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/242,094, entitled PRESERVATION OF NON EMBRYONIC CELLS FROM NON HEMATOPOIETIC TISSUES, filed Sep. 12, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/322,070 filed Sep. 14, 2001, which is commonly assigned, and the contents of which in their entireties are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment, the entire system is automated. In another embodiment, the system has both automated and manual components. The system may be comprised of one or more disposable components mounted on a re-usable hardware component or module. The automated systems of the invention provide screen displays (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) that prompt proper operation of the system. The automated systems may also provide a screen that provides status of the procedure and/or the step by step instructions as to the proper setup of the disposable components of the system. The screen may also indicate problems or failures in the system if they occur and provide “troubleshooting” guidance if appropriate. In one embodiment, the screen that allows the user to interface with the system is a touch screen.

The partial and fully automated systems may include a processing device (e.g., microprocessor or personal computer) and associated software programs that provide the control logic for the system to operate and to automate one or more steps of the process based on the user's selection. The processing device may be operably linked to one or more components or steps of the system. By way of example, steps amenable to such automation include, but are not limited to, controlling the ingress and egress of fluids and tissues along particular tubing paths by controlling pumps and valves of the system or processing device; controlling the proper sequence and/or direction of activation; detecting blockages with pressure sensors; mixing mechanisms, measuring the amount of tissue and/or fluid to be moved along a particular pathway using volumetric mechanisms; maintaining temperatures of the various components using heat control devices; washing and concentrating the cell, and integrating the process with timing and software mechanisms. The automated system may also include pressure sensors for detection of blockages and similar safety and quality control mechanisms. In one embodiment, software can control the parameters of the process to allow production of a cell population prepared to specific operator-defined parameters. For example, the processing device can control centrifuge speeds based on the tissue type being processed and/or the cell population or sub-population being harvested. Thus, the automation device or devices improve the performance of the procedures, and provide automatic harvesting of adipose tissue and processing of the adipose tissue for administration to a patient. The processing device may also include standard parallel or serial ports or other means of communicating with other computers or networks. Accordingly, the processing device can be a stand alone unit or be associated with another device.

In certain embodiments, one or more aspects of the system may be user-programmable via software residing in the processing device. The processing device may have one or more pre-programmed software programs in Read Only Memory (ROM). For example, the processing device may have pre-programmed software tailored for processing blood, another program for processing adipose tissue to obtain small volumes of regenerative cells and another program for processing adipose tissue to obtain larger volumes of regenerative cells. The processing device may also have pre-programmed software which provides the user with appropriate parameters to optimize the process based on the user's input of relevant information such as the amount of regenerative cells required, the type of tissue being processed, the type of post-processing manipulation required, the type of therapeutic application, etc. The software may allow for automated collection of “run data” including, for example, the lot numbers of disposable components, temperature and volume measurements, tissue volume and cell number parameters, dose of enzyme applied, incubation time, operator identity, date and time, patient identity, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of the device a bar code reading system would be integrated to permit data entry of these variables (for example disposable set lot number and expiration date, lot number and expiration date of the Collagenase, patient/sample identifiers, etc.) into the processing device as part of documentation of processing. This would reduce the opportunity for data entry errors. Such a bar code reading system could be easily incorporated into the processing device using a USB or other interface port and system known to the art. In this way the device would provide integrated control of the data entry and documentation of the process. A print-out report of these parameters would be part of the user-defined parameters of a programmed operation of the system. Naturally this would require integration of a printer component (hardware and driver) or printer driver in software plus an interface output connector for a printer (e.g., a USB port) in the hardware of the device.

In certain embodiments, the system is a single integrated system that does not require either user intervention to perform the various steps of the separation and concentration process or separate devices. In other embodiments, the system can be run in fully automatic mode without user input. The system can also be run in semi-automatic mode during which the system goes through certain steps without user intervention but requires user intervention before certain processes can occur. In other embodiments, the system is a single integrated system that displays instructions to guide the user to perform predetermined operations at predetermined times. For example, the processing device may prompt users through the steps necessary for proper insertion of tubing, chambers and other components of the system. Accordingly, the user can ensure that the proper sequence of operations is being performed. Such a system can additionally require confirmation of each operational step by the user to prevent inadvertent activation or termination of steps in the process. In a further embodiment, the system may initiate automated testing to confirm correct insertion of tubing, chambers, absence of blockages etc. In yet another embodiment, the system of the present invention is capable of being programmed to perform multiple separation and concentration processes through automated control of tissue flow through the system. This feature may be important, for example, during surgery on a patient where tissue that would otherwise be lost is collected into the system, and regenerative cells from the tissue are separated and concentrated and returned to the patient.

As set forth above, components of the system may be disposable (referred to herein as “disposable set(s)”), such that portions of the system can be disposed of after a single use. This implementation can help ensure that any surface which comes in contact with the patient's tissue will be disposed of properly after being used. An exemplary disposable set is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable components of the system are pre-sterilized and packaged so as to be usable “off the shelf” that are easy to use and easy to load and that eliminate the need for many tubing connections and complex routing of tubing connections. Such disposable components are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and therefore, do not create a substantial expense due to their disposal. In one embodiment, the disposable system (referred to interchangeably herein as “disposable set(s)”) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, the collection chamber <b>20</b>, the processing chamber <b>30</b>, the waste chamber <b>40</b>, the output chamber <b>50</b>, the filter assemblies <b>36</b>, the sample bag <b>60</b> and the associated conduits <b>12</b> or tubing. In preferred embodiments of the disposable sets of the system, the collection chamber <b>20</b> and the processing chamber <b>30</b> are connected by way of conduits <b>12</b> that are housed in a rigid frame. The rotating seal network (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 &amp; 8</figref>) of a processing chamber <b>30</b> may also be housed in the same rigid frame. In another preferred embodiment, the various chambers and containers of the disposable set are comprised of the necessary interfaces that are capable of communicating with the processing device of the system such that the pumps, valves, sensors and other devices that automate the system are appropriately activated or de-activated as needed without user intervention. The interfaces also reduce the time and expertise required to set up the system and also reduce errors by indicating how to properly set up the system and alerting the user in the event of an erroneous setup.

The disposable sets may further comprise one or more needles or syringes suitable for obtaining adipose or other tissue from the patient and returning regenerative cells to the patient. The type number and variety of the needles and syringes included will depend on the type and amount of tissue being processed. The disposable sets may further comprise one or more rigid or flexible containers to hold washing fluids and other processing reagents used in the system. For example, the disposable sets may comprise containers to hold saline, enzymes and any other treatment or replacement fluids required for the procedure. In addition, suitable washing solutions, re-suspension fluids, additives, agents or transplant materials may be provided with the disposable sets for use in conjunction with the systems and methods of the invention.

The re-usable component of the system comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the agitation mechanism for the collection chamber, the pump, and assorted sensors which activate valves and pump controls, the centrifuge motor, the rotating frame of the centrifuge motor, the user interface screen and USB ports and other associated devices. An exemplary re-usable component is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. The re-usable hardware may be used with a variety of disposable sets. For example, the re-usable hardware can be used with disposable sets for separating and concentrating regenerative cells from a wide variety of tissues as described herein.

In one embodiment, a disposable set for use in the system is comprised of a collection chamber <b>20</b> which can accommodate about 800 mL of tissue; a processing chamber <b>30</b> which can process the regenerative cell composition generated by about 800 mL of tissue washed and digested in the collection chamber <b>20</b>; an output chamber <b>50</b> which can accommodate at least 0.5 mL of regenerative cells; and a waster container <b>40</b> which can accommodate about 10 L of waste. In this embodiment, the hardware device is no larger than 24″L×18″W×36″H. Alternative dimensions of the various components of the disposable sets as well as the hardware device may be constructed as needed and are intended to be encompassed by the present invention without limitation.

The disposable components of the system are easy to place on the device. An illustration of a disposable set utilized assembled together with a corresponding re-usable component is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. The system is preferably designed such that it can detect an improperly loaded disposable component. For example, the components of each disposable set may have color-guided marks to properly align and insert the tubing, chambers etc. into appropriate places in the system. In additional embodiments, the system disclosed herein is a portable unit. For example, the portable unit may be able to be moved from one location where adipose tissue harvesting has occurred, to another location for adipose tissue harvesting. In certain implementations, the portable unit is suitable for harvesting and processing of adipose tissue by a patient's bedside. Thus, a portable unit may be part of a system which can be moved from patient to patient. Accordingly, the portable unit may be on wheels which lock in place and, thus, can be easily placed and used in a convenient location in a stable and secure position throughout the procedure. In other embodiments, the portable unit is designed for set-up and operation on a flat surface such as a table top. The portable unit may also be enclosed in a housing unit. The portable unit may further be comprised of hangers, hooks, labels, scales and other devices to assist in the procedure. All of the herein described re-usable components of the system such as the centrifuge, processing device, display screen may be mounted on the portable unit of the system.

Alternate manual embodiments for obtaining regenerative cells are also within the scope of this invention. For example, in one embodiment, adipose tissue may be processed using any combination of the components of the system, equipment and/or supplies described herein.

The regenerative cells obtained by the foregoing methods may be mixed with adipose tissue fragments and administered to a patient without further processing, or may be administered to a patient after being mixed with other tissues, cells, implants or devices. In certain embodiments, the regenerative cells are mixed with one or more units of adipose tissue that has not been similarly processed. Thus, by practicing the methods of the invention, a composition comprising adipose tissue with an enhanced concentration of regenerative cells may be administered to the patient. The volumes of the various units of adipose tissue may be different. For example, one volume may be at least 25% greater than the volume of another unit of adipose tissue. Furthermore, one volume may be at least 50%, such as at least 100%, and even 150% or more greater than the volume of another unit of adipose tissue. In addition, the desired composition may be obtained by mixing a first unit of adipose tissue with the concentrated regenerative cell population, which may be a cell pellet containing the regenerative cells, with one or more other units of adipose tissue. In certain embodiments, these other units will not have an increased concentration of regenerative cells, or in other words, will have a regenerative cell concentration less than that contained in the first unit of adipose tissue. In other embodiments, one of the units is cryopreserved material that contains, for example, an increased concentration of regenerative cells.

At the end of processing, the concentrated cells may be loaded into a delivery device, such as a syringe, for placement into the recipient by either subcutaneous, intramuscular, or other technique allowing delivery of the cell/tissue admixture to the target site within the patient, for example, the periurethral region, the subcutaneous space beneath a wrinkle, or within the breast. In other words, cells may be placed into the patient by any means known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Preferred embodiments include placement by needle or catheter, or by direct surgical implantation. In the embodiment of surgical implantation the cell and tissue admixture could be applied in association with additives such as a preformed matrix.

The active cell population may be applied alone or in combination with other cells, tissue, tissue fragments, growth factors such as VEGF and other known angiogenic or arteriogenic growth factors, biologically active or inert compounds, resorbable plastic scaffolds, or other additive intended to enhance the delivery, efficacy, tolerability, or function of the population. The cell population may also be modified by insertion of DNA or by placement in cell culture in such a way as to change, enhance, or supplement the function of the cells for derivation of a structural or therapeutic purpose. For example, gene transfer techniques for stem cells are known by persons of ordinary skill in the art, as disclosed in (Morizono et al., 2003; Mosca et al., 2000), and may include viral transfection techniques, and more specifically, adeno-associated virus gene transfer techniques, as disclosed in (Walther and Stein, 2000) and (Athanasopoulos et al., 2000). Non-viral based techniques may also be performed as disclosed in (Muramatsu et al., 1998).

In another aspect, the cells could be combined with a gene encoding growth factors, e.g., angiogenic growth factor(s) which would allow cells to act as their own source of the growth factor. Addition of the gene (or combination of genes) could be by any technology known in the art including but not limited to adenoviral transduction, “gene guns,” liposome-mediated transduction, and retrovirus or lentivirus-mediated transduction, plasmid, adeno-associated virus. Cells could be implanted along with a carrier material bearing gene delivery vehicle capable of releasing and/or presenting genes to the cells over time such that transduction can continue or be initiated in situ.

When the cells and/or tissue containing the cells are administered to a patient other than the patient from whom the cells and/or tissue were obtained, one or more immunosuppressive agents may be administered to the patient receiving the cells and/or tissue to reduce, and preferably prevent, rejection of the transplant. As used herein, the term “immunosuppressive drug or agent” is intended to include pharmaceutical agents which inhibit or interfere with normal immune function. Examples of immunosuppressive agents suitable with the methods disclosed herein include agents that inhibit T-cell/B-cell costimulation pathways, such as agents that interfere with the coupling of T-cells and B-cells via the CTLA4 and B7 pathways, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20020182211. A preferred immunosuppressive agent is cyclosporine A. Other examples include myophenylate mofetil, rapamicin, and anti-thymocyte globulin. In one embodiment, the immunosuppressive drug is administered with at least one other therapeutic agent. The immunosuppressive drug is administered in a formulation which is compatible with the route of administration and is administered to a subject at a dosage sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. In another embodiment, the immunosuppressive drug is administered transiently for a sufficient time to induce tolerance to the regenerative cells of the invention.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the cells are administered to a patient with one or more cellular differentiation agents, such as cytokines and growth factors. Examples of various cell differentiation agents are disclosed in (Gimble et al., 1995; Lennon et al., 1995; Majumdar et al., 1998; Caplan and Goldberg, 1999; Ohgushi and Caplan, 1999; Pittenger et al., 1999; Caplan and Bruder, 2001; Fukuda, 2001; Worster et al., 2001; Zuk et al., 2001).

In another aspect, the cell population could be placed into the recipient and surrounded by a resorbable plastic sheath or other materials such as that manufactured by MacroPore Biosurgery, Inc. (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,269,716; 5,919,234; 6,673,362; 6,635,064; 6,653,146; 6,391,059; 6,343,531; 6,280,473). In this setting the sheath would prevent prolapse of muscle and other soft tissue into the area of a defect processed adipose tissue-derived cells to promote controlled repair of the defect. This approach could be used in reconstructive surgery in which the sheath could be pre-molded to the final form desired allowing the tissue to be molded in vivo to the desired shape. In this aspect, the beneficial effect might be enhanced by supplementation with additional components such as pro-adipogenic or angiogenic protein growth factors or biological or artificial scaffolds.

As described herein, numerous defects and disorders may be treated with the regenerative cells obtained using the systems and methods of the invention. For example, in breast augmentation mammoplasty, soft tissue defect correction, and/or treatments of urinary incontinence, adipose tissue enhanced with regenerative cells may improve neovascularization and diminish necrosis in the implant, thereby resulting in improved engraftment and a reduction in the risk of liponecrotic pseudocyst formation. The regenerative cell-enhanced adipose tissue may be used to correct soft tissue defects and the like, as described above. The addition of this concentrated regenerative cell population to the normal adipose tissue graft may improve the longevity of the graft through providing a supportive microenvironment. In addition, the compositions described herein may also be used to provide structural support of the lower esophageal sphincter as well as the external anal sphincter to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and fecal incontinence (Bernardi, Favetta et al. 1998), respectively.

Typically, a person who is deemed a candidate for conventional augmentation mammoplasty is a candidate for breast augmentation by adipose tissue-derived cell augmented autologous fat transfer. In addition to those candidates deemed eligible for conventional augmentation mammoplasty, these methods may apply to the population of persons seeking a small/moderate enlargement, shape change or contour alteration of a breast or breasts, which may not be technically possible or aesthetically acceptable with existing implant technology. Candidates for soft tissue augmentation are similarly candidates for autologous fat transfer procedures using cell enhanced autologous adipose tissue. Examples of soft tissue augmentation procedures include, but are not limited to: contour deformities of the face including but not limited to facial (e.g., glabellar, nasolabial) folds, perioral lines, marionette lines, dermal divots; buttocks; calves; genitals; retro-orbital, and plantar fat pad. A person who is deemed a candidate for urethral bulking injection is also a candidate for autologous fat transplantation with the cell-enhanced adipose tissue disclosed herein. These procedures may include transurethral as well as periurethral injection in females, as well as transurethral or antegrade injection in males. Pre-operative evaluation typically includes routine history and physical examination in addition to thorough informed consent disclosing all relevant risks and benefits of the procedure.

After identification of a patient candidate, the patient typically undergoes adipose tissue collection. The patient's habitus may be examined for a site suitable for adipose tissue collection. The procedure may be performed at bedside or in an operating suite with hemodynamic monitoring appropriate to the patient's clinical status. Some preferred harvest site(s) will be characterized by: potential space(s) limited by normal anatomical structures, no major vascular or visceral structures at risk for damage, and ease of access. While virgin harvest sites are typically preferred, a previous harvest site does not preclude additional adipose tissue harvest. These preferred sites include but are not limited to the following: lateral and medial thigh regions of bilateral lower extremities, anterior abdominal wall pannus, and bilateral flank regions. These procedures may frequently be performed concomitantly with liposculpture. The site of adipose tissue collection may also be determined by the patient's aesthetic expectations as well as the safety profile as determined by the physician.

The area to be harvested is injected subcutaneously, for example, with a standard tumescent fluid solution, which may or may not contain a combination of lidocaine, saline, and/or epinephrine in different standardized dosing regimens. Using an 11-blade scalpel (or other standard blade), a small puncture wound is made in order to transverse the dermis near the harvest area. The blade is rotated, such as being turned 360 degrees, to complete the wound. A blunt tip 14-guage (or appropriately sized) cannula may then be inserted into the subcutaneous adipose tissue plane. The cannula may be connected to a power assisted suction device or to a syringe for manual aspiration. The cannula is then moved throughout the plane to disrupt the connective tissue architecture. The volume of aspirate obtained may range from about 0 cc to about 1500 cc. A fraction or portion of adipose tissue collected in this manner will be processed for isolation and concentration of regenerative cells using the methods described herein. The remainder of the adipose tissue may be processed for re-implantation into the patient according to the currently accepted standard of care. Alternatively, the patient may have adipose removed through a lipectomy procedure. After removal of adipose tissue, hemostasis will be achieved with standard surgical techniques and the wound closed primarily.

The collection of adipose tissue may take place 1-2 hours prior to the transplantation procedures. However, the timing of collection may vary and may depend on quality care standards. Ultimately, the practitioner responsible for administering care to the patient will determine the timing of collection. In another embodiment, adipose tissue-derived cells, which have been cryopreserved in an adipose tissue-derived cell banking facility, may be used.

The volume of adipose tissue collected will typically vary from about 1 cc to about 1500 cc. Preferred methods of tissue collection will be to follow accepted quality care standards. The volume of fat removed will vary from patient to patient and may depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to: amount of adipose tissue required for augmentation mammoplasty, aesthetic expectations, age, body habitus, coagulation profile, hemodynamic stability, co-morbidities, and physician preference.

After tissue processing is complete, the patient may be prepared to undergo adipose tissue transplantation in connection with augmentation mammoplasty, soft tissue augmentation, and/or treatment of urinary incontinence. Some issues surrounding transplantation include timing, cell dose, route, method, location, and monitoring.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the regenerative cell-enhanced adipose tissue is administered to the patient at the time of the transplantation procedures. These methods do not exclude the need for multiple injections of material over time. Ultimately, the timing used will follow quality care standards. In additional embodiments, an alternative timing regimen may exist if the cells to be applied are subject to modification, purification, stimulation, or other manipulation, as discussed above.

The cell dose to be delivered to an individual patient will typically be determined from the cell yield after adipose tissue processing. All of the cells harvested may not be required for the particular procedures, and remaining portions of cells may be cryopreserved as described herein. In one embodiment, the minimum number of cells to be delivered to the patient is expected to be 5.5×10⁵per 50 cc of transplanted fat. However, this value can be expected to change by orders of magnitude to achieve the desired effect. The injection of additional augmented adipose tissue (over-correction) is not an uncommon practice, as a percentage of the volume injected is expected to regress with time. In addition, because the methods disclosed herein do not exclude the need for a series of doses, more cells may be administered to the patient than indicated above.

In breast augmentation procedures, the route of delivery may include open delivery through a standard 14-guage blunt tip cannula inserted into the breast tissue through a axillary, periareolar, inframammary In soft tissue augmentation procedures, the route of delivery may include open delivery through a standard 14-guage blunt tip cannula inserted into the soft tissue through an appropriately placed incision. In urinary incontinence procedures, the route of delivery may include direct injection at the bladder neck and proximal urethra through cystoscopic visualization. Alternatively or in addition, the transplant may be delivered via an antegrade route. Alternatively or in addition, the cell-enhanced tissue may be delivered through an intravenous route to be accessed via currently accepted methods. In the intravenous method, controlling the directional flow of transplanted material may be achieved through endocrine and paracrine trafficking resulting from the inflammatory process initiated by surgical intervention. The routes discussed herein do not exclude the use of multiple routes to achieve the desired clinical effect, or umbilical incision. Alternatively or in addition, cell-enhanced tissue may be delivered through a transaxillary endoscopic subpectoral approach.

In one embodiment, regenerative cells obtained from adipose processing are mixed with fat to be transplanted in the ratio described above. This mixing may occur through automated means (e.g., device-controlled agitation or centrifugation) or through manual methods (e.g., luer-locked syringes, vortexing). The regenerative cell enhanced adipose tissue is preferably administered in a tear like fashion to maximize the surface area to volume ratio. In another embodiment, regenerative cells may be resuspended in an artificial or natural medium or tissue scaffold, which is then inserted into the implant region, such as the breast region, and/or the intrinsic sphincter region to bring about the desired effect. In a preferred embodiment the combined cells and tissue are injected following the process generally referred to as the ‘Coleman Technique’ (Coleman 1991; Coleman 1995; Coleman 2001).

Adipose tissue collection may take place in any appropriate clinical setting, such as the following locations: clinic, clinical office, emergency department, hospital ward, intensive care unit, operating room, catheterization suite, and radiologic suite. Augmentation mammoplasty is typically performed in an outpatient setting, but may be performed in the in-patient environment. Urethral bulking injection is typically performed in an outpatient setting, but may be performed in the in-patient environment.

In breast augmentation procedures, the effect of regenerative cell augmented autologous fat transfer may be manifested by one or more of the following clinical measures: increased breast size, altered breast shape, altered breast contour, sustained engraftment, decreased rate of liponecrotic cyst formation, improved patient satisfaction and decreased use of implantable foreign material. In other soft tissue augmentation procedures, the effect of regenerative cell augmented autologous fat transfer may be manifested by one or more of the following clinical measures: improved soft tissue shape, improved tissue function, improved soft tissue contour, sustained engraftment, improved patient quality of life and decreased use of implantable foreign material. In urinary incontinence procedures, the effect of regenerative cell augmented autologous fat transfer for sphincter support may be manifested by one or more of the following clinical measures: decreased frequency of incontinence, sustained engraftment, improved patient quality of life and decreased use of implantable foreign material. The effect of cellular therapy typically takes place over the course of days to weeks. However, a beneficial effect may be observed as early as several hours and may persist for years.

Patient monitoring prior to, during, and after the delivery of transplanted adipose tissue may include, but is not limited to, the following: coagulation studies, oxygen saturation, hemodynamic monitoring, and wound status. Patients may be advised that they should receive pre-operative diagnostic procedures, such as mammographies, as there may be concerns that calcifications that form may distort the ability to detect malignant calcification of the breast. However, the advice may be optional because the use of magnetic resonance imaging may overcome this limitation. Additional monitoring will be specific to the desired clinical effect. Patient monitoring prior to, during, and after the delivery of transplanted adipose tissue may include the following: urinalysis, pelvic examination, cystoscopy, and urodynamic evaluation, coagulation studies, oxygen saturation, hemodynamic monitoring, and wound status. Additional monitoring will be specific to the desired clinical effect.

The following examples are provided to demonstrate particular situations and settings in which this technology may be applied and are not intended to restrict the scope of the invention and the claims included in this disclosure.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Expression of Angiogenic Growth Factor, VEGF, by ADC

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is one of the key regulators of angiogenesis (Nagy et al., 2003; Folkman, 1995). Placenta Growth Factor, another member of the VEGF family, plays a similar role in both angiogenesis as well as arteriogenesis. Specifically, transplant of wild-type (PlGF +/+) cells into a PlGF knockout mouse restores ability to induce rapid recovery from hind limb ischemia (Scholz et al., 2003).

Given the importance of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis to the revascularization process, PlGF and VEGF expression by the regenerative cells of the present invention was examined using an ELISA assay (R&amp;D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn.) using adipose derived regenerative cells from three donors. One donor had a history of hyperglycemia and Type 2 diabetes (a condition highly associated with microvascular and macrovascular disease). Regenerative cells from each donor were plated at 1,000 cells/cm²in DMEM/F-12 medium supplemented with 10% FCS and 5% HS and grown until confluent. Supernatant samples were taken and assayed for expression of PIGF and VEGF protein. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16A and 16B</figref>, the results demonstrate robust expression of both VEGF (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16A</figref>) and PIGF (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16B</figref>) by the adipose derived regenerative cells of the invention.

In a separate study, the relative quantity of angiogenic related cytokines secreted by cultured regenerative cells from normal adult mice was measured. The regenerative cells were cultured in alpha-MEM with 10% FBS to five days beyond cell confluence, at which time the cell culture medium was harvested and evaluated by antibody array analysis (RayBio® Mouse Cytokine Antibody Array II (RayBiotech, Inc.). The following angiogenic related growth factors were detected: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), bFGF, IGF-II, Eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-12 p40/p70, EL-12 p70, IL-13, IL-6, IL-9, Leptin, MCP-1, M-CSF, MIG, PF-4, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TNF-α, and Thrombopoetin.

These data demonstrate that the regenerative cells of the present invention express a wide array of angiogenic and arteriogenic growth factors. Moreover, the finding that a diabetic patient expressed VEGF and PlGF at equivalent levels to those of normal patients suggest that diabetic patients may be candidates for angiogenic therapy by autologous adipose derived regenerative cells.

Example 2

ADC Contains Cell Populations That Participate in Angiogenesis

Endothelial cells and their precursors, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), are known to participate in angiogenesis. To determine whether EPCs are present in adipose derived regenerative cells, human adipose derived regenerative cells were evaluated for EPC cell surface markers, e.g., CD-34.

ADCs were isolated by enzymatic digestion of human subcutaneous adipose tissue. ADCs (100 ul) were incubated in phosphate saline buffer (PBS) containing 0.2% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and incubated for 20 to 30 minutes at 4° C. with fluorescently labeled antibodies directed towards the human endothelial markers CD-31 (differentiated endothelial cell marker) and CD-34 (EPC marker), as well as human ABCG2 (ATP binding cassette transporter), which is selectively expressed on multipotent cells. After washing, cells were analyzed on a FACSAria Sorter (Beckton Dickenson—Immunocytometry). Data acquisition and analyses were then performed by FACSDiva software (BD-Immunocytometry, Calif.). The results (not shown) showed that the adipose derived regenerative cells from a healthy adult expressed the EPC marker CD-34 and ABCG2, but not the endothelial cell marker CD-31. Cells expressing the EPC marker CD-34 were detected at similar frequency in regenerative cells derived from a donor with a history of diabetes.

To determine the frequency of EPCs in human adipose derived regenerative cells after their culture in endothelial cell differentiation medium, ADCs were plated onto fibronectin-coated plates and cultured in endothelial cell medium for three days to remove mature endothelial cells. Nonadherent cells were removed and re-plated. After 14 days, colonies were identified by staining with FITC-conjugated Ulex europaeus Agglutinin-1 (Vector Labs, Burlingame, Calif.) and DiI-labeled acetylated LDL (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.). As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the results indicate an EPC frequency of approximately 500 EPC/10⁶ADC cells.

The presence of EPCs within the adipose tissue derived regenerative cells indicates that these cells can participate directly in development of new blood vessels and enhance angiogenesis and reperfusion.

Example 3

In Vitro Development of Vascular Structures in ADC

An art-recognized assay for angiogenesis is one in which endothelial cells grown on a feeder layer of fibroblasts develop a complex network of CD31-positive tubes reminiscent of a nascent capillary network (Donovan et al., 2001). Since adipose derived regenerative cells contain endothelial cells, EPCs and other stromal cell precursors, we tested the ability of these regenerative cells to form capillary-like structures in the absence of a feeder layer. Regenerative cells obtained from inguinal fat pads of normal mice developed capillary networks two weeks after culture (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref>). Notably, regenerative cells from hyperglycemic mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Type 1 diabetes eight weeks following administration of STZ formed equivalent capillary networks as those formed by cells from normal mice (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18B</figref>).

In a subsequent study, adipose derived regenerative cells were cultured in complete culture medium (a-MEM supplemented with 10% FCS) and no additional growth factors. These regenerative cells also formed capillary networks. Furthermore, the vascular structures formed stained positive for the endothelial cell markers CD31, CD34, VE-cadherin and von Willebrand factor/Factor VIII, but not the pan-lymphocyte marker, CD45.

To compare the ability of regenerative cells from young vs. elderly mice to form capillary networks, regenerative cells from normal young and elderly mice (aged 1, 12, or 18 months) were cultured for 2 weeks in complete culture medium (α-MEM supplemented with 10% FCS) and no additional growth factors. Equivalent capillary-like networks were observed in cultures of regenerative cells from all donors (not shown).

The foregoing data demonstrates that adipose derived regenerative cells from normal and diabetic, as well as young and elderly patients can form vascular structures consistent with the formation of nascent capillary networks. Accordingly, the regenerative cells of the invention may be used to treat angiogenic insufficiencies.

Example 4

In Vivo Development of Vascular Structures in ADC

In vitro angiogenic potential, while promising, is of little value if the cells do not exert in vivo angiogenic activity. Surgically inducing hind limb ischemia is an in vivo model capable of identifying the angiogenic potential of a given therapy. This model was developed in immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice in which the ability of human cells to drive reperfusion could be observed.

Pre-operative blood flow values were determined for both hind limbs as described below. The vasculature of anesthetized mice was tied off with a 4-0 silk ligature at the following sites: 1) iliac artery proximal to its bifurcation, 2) just distal to the origin of deep femoral artery, 3) just proximal to branching of the superficial femoral artery. After ligation, the vasculature was removed en bloc. Prior to wound closure, grossly observable collaterals branching from the ligated femoral arteries were also ligated. Twenty four hours later, 129S mice were injected with 5×10⁶syngeneic mouse adipose derived regenerative cells and NOD SCID mice were injected with human adipose derived regenerative cells through the tail vein. Flow was imaged immediately after surgery and at intervals following treatment using a Laser Doppler Flow Imager (Moor Instruments Inc., Wilmington, Del.). Measurements, taken three times per week for 24 days, were normalized to the pre-operative value for that limb and presented relative to the control (unoperated) limb.

The model of hind limb ischemia is extremely sensitive to the strain of mouse used. NOD SCID mice are immunodeficient animals, lacking the ability to ignite an acute inflammatory response. For these mice, this surgical approach generates severe ischemia such that two thirds of untreated animals lost hind limb structures below the site of femoral excision. No cell-treated animal lost any structures above the toe. Yet, for immunocompetent 129S mice, no untreated animals lost any structures above the phalanges and displayed an endogenous ability to partially regenerate reperfusion. This could be due to the intrinsic angiogenesis associated with an acute inflammatory response. This may explain why reperfusion was less extreme when comparing the treated versus control animals of different strains.

However, the results showed that mice treated with adipose derived regenerative cells showed significantly improved perfusion as compared to untreated mice of both strains. By Day 12, blood flow was restored to 50±11% in NOD-SCID mice treated with human regenerative cells, as compared to 10±10% in untreated mice (p&lt;0.05). Similarly, immunocompetent 129S mice exhibited 80±12% restoration of flow at day 14, as compared to 56±4% in untreated mice

In addition, gross dissection of mice revealed the appearance of collateral vessels in the hind limbs of mice treated with regenerative cells, but not in those from untreated mice or in the healthy limbs of any mice.

Example 5

Increasing ADC Dose is Associated with Improved Graft Survival and Angiogenesis

Transplant of autologous adipose tissue is a relatively common procedure in plastic and reconstructive surgery {Fulton, 1998; Shiffman, 2001}. However, this procedure is limited by the fact that the adipose tissue fragments are transferred without a vascular supply and, as a result, graft survival is dependent upon neovascularization (Coleman, 1995; Eppley et al., 1990). Thus, in a limited way, the transplanted tissue represents an ischemic tissue.

A study in Fisher rats was performed in which adipose tissue fragments were transplanted into the subcutaneous space over the muscles of the outer thigh. The right leg was transplanted with 0.2 g of adipose tissue fragments alone, the left leg with 0.2 g of adipose tissue fragments supplemented by addition of adipose derived stem cells at three different doses (1.7×10⁵-1.3×10⁶cells/graft; three animals per dose); in this way the contralateral leg acted as a control. Animals were then maintained for one month after which the animals were euthanized and the grafts recovered, weighed, fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin for histologic analysis.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>, the results show minimal retention of grafted tissue in the control leg and a dose-dependent increase in retention of graft weight in the treated leg. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of the grafts showed considerable neoangiogenesis and perfusion in the adipose derived stem cell treated grafts (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20B</figref>, arrows). This was also associated with retention of adipose tissue morphology (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20B</figref>).

Accordingly, Examples 1-5 demonstrate that the adipose derived regenerative cells of the invention secrete angiogenic and arteriogenic growth factors; form nascent capillary networks in vitro; enhance survival of fat grafts; and enhance ischemic reperfusion. Thus, the regenerative cells of the invention are capable of promoting angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, and may be functional in treating multiple diseases with underlying circulatory insufficiencies.

Example 6

Augmentation of Autologous Fat Transfer by Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells in Mice

The potential of adipose derived regenerative cells (ADCs) to augment autologous fat transfer was tested in mice. ADCs were obtained from mice carrying the lacZ transgene (Rosa 26 mice (B6; 129S-Gt(ROSA)26Sor); usually known as Rosa 26 mice). ADCs were admixed with adipose tissue obtained from the inguinal fat pads of histocompatible C57B16/S129F1 mice in accordance with the methods disclosed herein and implanted into subcutaneous space in the back of the skull of additional F1 mice.

After one month, the implants were retrieved and stained overnight in X-gal solution. Cells expressing the lacZ transgene (ADCs) will stain blue on exposure to X-gal. The implant showed blue staining throughout the tissue. The implant was then embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with an antibody to the receptor for mouse Vascular Endothelial Growth factor 1 (VEGFR1).

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows the results of staining in which the implant was shown to contain numerous circular structures comprised of cells that contained blue granules (arrows) and which were also VEGFR1-positive (dark coloration over cell cytoplasm). This data confirms the ability of processed lipoaspirate to induce the formation of new blood vessels within the implant.

Example 7

Augmentation of Autologous Fat Transfer by Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells in Rats

Extracted adipose tissue fragments from inbred Wistar rats were mixed with adipose derived regenerative cells in accordance with the methods disclosed herein. This composition was then implanted subcutaneously into the thigh and under the scalp of recipient rats. As controls an equal number of animals received adipose tissue alone (no ADCs) under the scalp while animals receiving an implant in the thigh had the contralateral thigh implanted with adipose tissue alone. Grafts were harvested one month post-implantation.

The results (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>) show a trend of increasing graft weight of thigh implants with increasing dose of adipose derived regenerative cells. Histologic examination of the implants showed improved vascularity of grafts supplemented with ADC. A similar correlation was observed with scalp implants albeit with lower overall retention due to the low vascularity of the dorsal skull in these rats.

Example 8

Autologous Fat Transfer in Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty

A person wishes to have the shape of her breasts altered. Pre-operative evaluation of the patient includes routine history and physical examination in addition to thorough informed consent disclosing all relevant risks and benefits of the procedure.

To begin the procedure, the patient undergoes adipose tissue collection. The patient's habitus is examined for a site suitable for adipose tissue collection. The procedure is performed at the patient's bedside. Adipose tissue is selected to be harvested from the lateral and medial thigh regions of the patient. The area to be harvested is injected subcutaneously with a standard tumescent fluid solution, which may or may not contain a combination of lidocaine, saline, and/or epinephrine in different standardized dosing regimens.

Using an 11-blade scalpel (or other standard blade), a small puncture wound is made in order to transverse the dermis. The blade is turned 360 degrees to complete the wound. A blunt tip 14-guage (or appropriately sized) cannula is then inserted into the subcutaneous adipose tissue plane. The cannula may be connected to a power assisted suction device or to a syringe for manual aspiration. The cannula is then moved throughout the plane to disrupt the connective tissue architecture. The volume of aspirate obtained is between 700 cc and 1000 cc. A fraction of adipose tissue collected in this manner is processed for isolation and concentration of adipose tissue-derived regenerative cells using the methods described above. The remainder of the adipose tissue is processed for re-implantation into the breast. Alternatively, the patient may have adipose tissue removed through a lipectomy procedure.

After removal of adipose tissue, hemostasis of the patient is achieved with standard surgical techniques and the wound closed primarily. The collection of adipose tissue occurs about 1-2 hours prior to augmentation mammoplasty in a clinical office. However, the timing of collection is expected to vary and will depend on quality care standards. Ultimately, the practitioner responsible for administering care to the patient will determine the timing of collection.

The regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue processing are mixed with a unit of adipose tissue (approximately 100-300 cc) to be transplanted in the ratio described above. After tissue processing is complete, the patient is prepared to undergo augmentation mammoplasty. The cell dose delivered to the patient is determined from the cell yield after adipose tissue processing. Approximately 5.5×10⁵cells per 50 cc of autologous fat is transplanted into the breast. The composition is delivered through a standard 14-guage blunt tip cannula inserted into the breast tissue through a periareolar incision. The regenerative cell enhanced adipose tissue is administered in a tear like fashion to increase the surface area to volume ratio.

The patient is monitored, and approximately 7 days after the procedure, the transplant appears to have been successfully engrafted with the effects of the cellular therapy becoming apparent to the attending physician.

Example 9

Autologous Fat Transfer and Soft Tissue Defects

A patient presents a desire for soft tissue augmentation, in particular, treatment of dermal divots. A physician evaluates the patient by conducting a history and physical evaluation and determines that the patient is a candidate for autologous fat transfer.

To begin the procedure, the patient undergoes adipose tissue collection. The patient's habitus is examined for a site suitable for adipose tissue collection. The procedure may be performed at the patient's bedside. Adipose tissue is harvested from the patient's anterior abdominal wall pannus. The area to be harvested is injected subcutaneously with a standard tumescent fluid solution, which may or may not contain a combination of lidocaine, saline, and/or epinephrine in different standardized dosing regimens.

Using an 11-blade scalpel (or other standard blade), a small puncture wound is made in order to transverse the dermis. The blade is turned 360 degrees to complete the wound. A blunt tip 14-guage (or appropriately sized) cannula is then inserted into the subcutaneous adipose tissue plane. The cannula may be connected to a power assisted suction device or to a syringe for manual aspiration. The cannula is then moved throughout the plane to disrupt the connective tissue architecture. The volume of aspirate obtained ranges from about 400 cc to about 800 cc. A fraction of adipose tissue collected in this manner is processed for isolation and concentration of cells using the methods disclosed above. The remainder is processed for re-implantation into the soft tissue.

After removal of adipose tissue, hemostasis of the patient is achieved with standard surgical techniques and the wound closed primarily. The collection may take place 1-2 hours prior to soft tissue augmentation.

Regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue processing are mixed with a unit of adipose tissue to be transplanted in a manner and ratio as described above. After tissue processing is complete, the patient is prepared to undergo soft-tissue augmentation. The cell dose delivered to the patient is determined from the cell yield after adipose tissue processing. Approximately 5.5×10⁵per 50 cc of autologous fat is transplanted into the soft tissue. The composition is delivered through a standard 14-guage blunt tip cannula inserted into the soft tissue through an appropriately placed incision. The regenerative cell enhanced adipose tissue is preferably administered in a tear like fashion to increase the surface area to volume ratio.

The patient is monitored prior to, during, and after the delivery of transplanted adipose tissue. After 2 days, the patient notices an almost complete elimination of the dermal divots.

Example 10

Autologous Fat Transfer for Stress Urinary Incontinence

A person experiencing urinary incontinence requests treatment from a physician. Pre-operative evaluation of the patient includes routine history and physical examination in addition to thorough informed consent disclosing all relevant risks and benefits of the procedure.

To begin the procedure, the patient undergoes adipose tissue collection. The patient's habitus is examined for a site suitable for adipose tissue collection. The procedure may be performed in an operating suite with hemodynamic monitoring appropriate to the patient's clinical status. Adipose tissue is harvested from the patient's lateral and medial thigh regions of bilateral lower extremities, and anterior abdominal wall pannus. The area to be harvested is injected subcutaneously with a standard tumescent fluid solution, which may or may not contain a combination of lidocaine, saline, and/or epinephrine in different standardized dosing regimens.

Using an 11-blade scalpel (or other standard blade), a small puncture wound is made in order to transverse the dermis. The blade is turned 360 degrees to complete the wound. A blunt tip 14-guage (or appropriately sized) cannula is then inserted into the subcutaneous adipose tissue plane. The cannula may be connected to a power assisted suction device or to a syringe for manual aspiration. The cannula is then moved throughout the plane to disrupt the connective tissue architecture. The volume of aspirate obtained is about 1200 cc. A fraction of adipose tissue collected in this manner is processed for isolation and concentration of regenerative cells using the methods described above. The remainder of the adipose tissue is processed for re-implantation in proximity of the patient's bladder neck and proximal urethra. Alternatively, the patient may have adipose removed through a lipectomy procedure. After removal of adipose tissue, hemostasis is achieved with standard surgical techniques and the wound closed primarily. The collection of adipose tissue occurs about 1-2 hours prior to the procedure.

The regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue processing are mixed with a unit of adipose tissue to be transplanted in the ratio described above. After tissue processing is complete, the patient is prepared to undergo transplantation. The cell dose delivered to the patient is determined inter alia from the cell yield after adipose tissue processing. Approximately 5.5×10⁵cells per 50 cc of autologous fat is transplanted in proximity of the patient's bladder neck and proximal urethra through cystoscopic visualization.

The patient is monitored after the procedure. Approximately three days after the transplant, the patient experiences a decreased frequency of incontinence. Approximately one month after the procedure, the patient indicates that his quality of life has improved. The physician evaluates the engrafted tissue and determines that the long-term engraftment was successful.

A number of publications and patents have been cited hereinabove. Each of the cited publications and patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.